Author Archives: caroline-w

PTO Council welcomes new Council Co-President

We welcome Karen Manning as the new co-president joining Jennifer Abbott this year and also welcome to our Executive Board new member Doreen Rachal.

A huge thank you to Sunwoo Kahng and Lori Knowles for their service on our Executive Board for the last two years and to Frieda Dweck and Theresa Fitzpatrick who along with Jennifer Abbott have been working tirelessly as Council Co-Presidents to fulfill the purpose of the PTO Council (and so much more), as stated in our bylaws:

To serve as a fact-finding and discussion body to clarify issues related to the Newton Public Schools and to recommend or take appropriate action on such issues where advisable;

To act as a clearinghouse for information from members of the school administration and community leaders to the member Parent-Teacher Organizations and Parent-Teacher-Student Organizations (collectively referred to herein as the “PTOs”), to provide communication among the member PTOs, and to provide communication from the member PTOs to the community and to the members of the school administration; and

To act as an advocate for public education in Newton and in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Teen Programs at the Newton Free Library

Tear Aparts (for Teens), Monday, June 9, 4:00 pm 
Join Maker-in Residence Kevin Osborn in the second floor Teen Area to learn how things work by tearing apart DVD and VCR players, Tickle Me Elmos and other machines. You’ll see how they work and perhaps find something that will inspire your next project.

Mother-Daughter Book Club, Wednesday, June 11, 7:00 pm
Join us in the second floor Teen Area of the Newton Free Library for the Mother-Daughter Book Club. The group will discuss Ketchup Clouds by Annabel Pitcher.

  • Ages 12-15.
  • Registration is required. Visit www.newtonfreelibrary.net, call Liz the Teen Librarian at 617-796-1380 or email te***@***************ry.net.

Ice Cream Party: Teen Summer Reading Kick-off,  June 18, 3:30 pm
Stop by the Newton Free Library to celebrate the beginning of summer with ice cream provided by J.P. Licks. While you’re here pick up information on the Teen Mayor’s Summer Reading Challenge. Get involved as we explore the theme, “Spark a Reaction,” with weekly programs related to science, technology, engineering, art and math. Learn about keeping an online log of your reading and how you can win prizes throughout the summer just for reading! Druker Auditorium.

The Lego Movie Screening, Thursday, June 26, 6:30 pm
Come to a screening of The Lego Movie at the Newton Free Library in Druker Auditorium. Emmet, an ordinary, rules-following, perfectly average LEGO mini-figure is mistakenly identified as the most extraordinary person and the key to saving the world. He is drafted into a fellowship of strangers on an epic quest to stop an evil tyrant, a journey for which Emmet is hopelessly and hilariously underprepared. Runtime 100 minutes. Rated PG.

Don’t Hate, Appreciate

An Open Conversation: Lecture Series for Parents of Teens Part V:
Don’t Hate, Appreciate

Don’t Hate, Appreciate, the final program in the series for parents based on the topics of wellness, stress management and communication, will be held the Newton Free Library. Learn how to talk to teens about body confidence, eating disorders and media literacy. The session will show parents how to start the conversation, model healthy behaviors and teach young people not to put others down based on looks. The program is part Youth Stress Grant awarded to the Newton Health & Human Services Department, the Newton Free Library and Newton Youth Services. Series partners include Newton Cares, Newton-Wellesley Hospital, Riverside Community Care, the Massachusetts School for Professional Psychology and the Multi-Service Eating Disorder Association.

Thursday, June 19th, 7:00 pm

For additional information, please contact 617-796-1436 or visit www.newtonma.gov/youth

CAP Program seeking Volunteer Prevention Specialists

The Child Assault Prevention [CAP] Program: Helping to keep Newton children SAFE, STRONG & FREE since 1991 is now seeking Volunteer Prevention Specialists for the 2014-2015 School Year

The CAP Program relies on trained volunteers to teach elementary students simple strategies to reduce their vulnerability to verbal, physical and sexual assault. Volunteers work in teams, led by an experienced team captain. Training is provided and 16 CE credits are available for MSWs . This year’s training begins October 18th. Volunteer commitment is 4-6 hours per month, for one school year. For more information and to set up a screening interview please contact Gail Sommer, Director, 617.969.5906 x 143, or gs*****@*****eb.org. Visit the website www.ncscweb.org for more information.

 

Highlands After School Program

It’s not too late to sign up! Calling all 5th graders entering Brown and Oak Hill Middle Schools: Highlands After School Program is still taking applications for the upcoming school year. Transportation is arranged from the school to their great location in Newton Highlands / Hyde Community Gym with lots of fun activities.

Arrange a visit or drop in during open house week June 9-12th from 5:00 – 6:00 pm. For more enrollment information contact Rochelle Acker at 617.999.4617 or hi******************@***il.com or visit  www.highlandsafterschool.org.

July 4th Celebration in Newton

Kids Morning: 10:00 am – Noon
Newton Centre Playground at Tyler Terrace.

  • Free event (geared for children ages 3 – 12 years).
  • Children and families are invited to join in the Grande Pet Parade, Decorated Doll Carriage Promenade, Teddy Bear Parade and Foot Races.
  • Free ice cream, candy and drinks complete the morning celebration – courtesy of Cabot’s Ice Cream and Trader Joe’s.

Afternoon/Evening Events: Noon – 10:00 pm
Albemarle Field.

  • The fun continues with kiddie amusement rides, craft vendor booths, food vendor booths, face painting and other childrens’ activities.
  • Free music and dancing all day: from 2:00 – 6:00 pm in the Gazebo and 6:00 – 9:00 pm on the Main Stage, featuring the Bill & Bo Winiker Band.
  • At 9pm, don’t miss the grand finale…a fantastic fireworks display! Visit www.newtoncommunitypride.org for details.

Angier Project Update and Waban Area Council Meeting

There will be an Angier Project Update meeting on Thursday, June 12th at 7:00 pm at the Waban Library Center. These meetings will be held regularly on the second Thursday of each month for the duration of the project.

The Waban Area Council will hold its monthly meeting immediately following at 7:30 pm. Please visit www.wabanareacouncil.com to view the agenda and learn more about issues of importance to Waban.

NCA Strawberry Festival, June 12th

Come to the Newton Cultural Alliance’s Second Annual Strawberry Festival. The Strawberry Festival is being hosted by Alderman Vicki Danberg at 30 Chase Street in Newton Centre. Hats off to the NCA! Come celebrate their banner year with sweet strawberries, lovely libations and fun! Featuring a special performance by Newton’s own Americana band Waiting for Neil. Tickets are $25.00 – $50.00. Please visit http://www.newtonculture.org for more information.

Thursday June 12th, 5:30 to 7:30 pm

Little League’s Summer 2014 Sandlot Season now open

Registration for Newton SouthEast Little League’s Summer 2014 Sandlot Season is now open!

Following the tremendous success of the Sandlot program last year, NSELL is pleased to announce registration for the Summer 2014 Sandlot Program is open.

Instead of forming teams with set rosters and coaching staffs they will instead be conducting “Sandlot Baseball Nights” and will provide shirts, hats, umpires, coaches and other game-related logistics. The objective is to give everyone a chance to have fun playing competitive baseball in a well organized environment. They’ll set up teams on site each game night. All participants must be registered for “Sandlot Baseball” in order to play on a given night.

To be able to play in this short-season program a player must Continue reading →

Boston College Lady Eagles Soccer School

Come join the Boston College staff and team at their summer clinics! The focus of the summer clinics is to provide fun and development for young ladies ages 6-14 at the incredible facility at BC .

They will offer 2 sessions this summer: Summer Session 1, June 24st-27th and/or Summer Session 2, July 21st-24th. The clinic runs from 9:00 am-3:00 pm and cost is $295.00 per clinic. Visit www.bcwomenssoccer.com for more information.