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K-12 Reading Program

The Boston University K-12 Reading Program has opened early, reduced rates, and converted all classes to a live online format, to help parents and schools maintain student education during these unusual times.

The live, teacher-led online classes are available now and throughout the summer, for Pre-K through 12th grade students.

The curriculum is high caliber and has been taught in a live, online format for 5 years already with over 50,000 school-age students. The classes are led by highly-trained teachers with many years’ experience teaching effectively in online classrooms. Skills taught include:

  • Early Elementary: letter recognition, phonemic awareness, sight words, phonics
  • Mid-to-Late Elementary: fluency, phonics, long-word decoding, comprehension, textbook reading, writing
  • Middle and High School: doubling reading speed, comprehension, writing, notetaking, test preparation, textbook strategies

For additional imformation, see the flyer here or visit the website  https://bu.readingclasses.org/.

 

Computer Science concepts for kids

Hey Newtonians! If you’re looking for a new activity for your kid aged 10-15,  Ethan Kopf teaches coding with the Swift programming language over Zoom. His lessons are one-on-one and he teaches computer science concepts through small games and projects. As a recent graduate of Newton South High School’s class of 2020, Ethan has taken a bunch of computer science classes there and plans to study CS next year at Yale University. If you’re interested, please email ethan.kopf@yale.edu.

On-line tutoring available this summer

Experienced tutor available this summer! Haralie Alpert, retired from the Wellesley Public Schools, lives and tutors in Newton. Haralie works with K-5th grade students in reading, writing and math and can make remote learning fun, engaging and a great learning experience!

Please contact Haralie Alpert, M.Ed., MS at haralie@gmail.com or 617-630-0608.

Virtual Reality & Unity Developer Introductory Program

Immerse yourself in 3D and Virtual Reality (VR) Development this summer.

The AR and VR industry is expected to exceed $200 billion in market size by 2023 according to Statistica. Today’s students can develop the skills to become XR creators and learn about career pathways for these skills across industries. The High School Introductory VR Developer Course is a 6-week program that will prepare students to understand the elements of immersive experience design while learning to use Unity, an industry-standard software tool for XR development.

June 29th – August 7th, (weekly time commitment: 8 hours of live online instruction plus ~8 hours of independent study and project time). Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Wednesdays, Fridays: 11:00 am-12:00 pm

Prerequisites: None; coding experience encouraged

Program Features:

  • Virtual Reality & Unity: Students learn the high demand skill of 3D and Virtual Reality development and use Unity, an industry-standard tool for XR software development
    Professional Portfolio: Students work on building and publishing their own VR application
  • Career Exploration: Students learn about career pathways in XR (Extended Reality) with input from special guests from industry during the program
  • Expert Instructors: Instructors are subject-matter experts with extensive experience in professional VR development as well as instruction in an academic setting. The lead instructor for the program is Dr. Lori Landay, a Professor at Berklee College.Program

Cost: $2,500 (early registration offer $500 off for applications received prior to June 5th)

Apply Now at https://xrterra.com/programs/hsdeveloper/apply/

XR Terra is a workforce accelerator that trains learners in XR (Extended Reality – AR, VR and MR) technologies.

Latin tutor available

Preethika Vemula, a rising sophomore at Newton South High School, is offering online tutoring services in Latin. She is available Monday through Friday from June 29th to August 28th and is offering classes to students in Middle School or in levels Latin I – III in High School.

Preethika studied Latin for the past three years and has peer tutoring background. She learned all basic grammar and has experience with beginner prose and poetry. She received a silver medal and Maxima Cum Laude certificate in Level III of the National Latin Exam.

Please contact Preethika by emailing vemulaptk@gmail.com.

Summer programs for public speaking and debate!

Lumos is running online summer programs through Zoom that teach public speaking and debate! All Lumos programs have a 4:1 student-teacher ratio and offer daily one-on-one coaching sessions with the instructors. Each day is designed to be fun, engaging, and active, even in an online format! Go to LumosDebate.com to register for summer!

They are are also running 1-day trial workshops 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, from May 23rd to June 7th. Sign up for a trial workshop at https://www.lumosdebate.com/summer-posts/trial-workshop.

Honor Thy Teacher

Over these past weeks, many parents have developed a deep appreciation for the job that our teachers do each day. Here is a way to say thank you.

By donating to Newton Schools Foundation’s Honor Thy Teacher program in the name of one or more teachers, you can show your appreciation for them AND support your children’s schools.

In recent weeks, NSF directed its resources toward the challenges of COVID-19 with a $85,500 grant for the Newton Public Schools to purchase 300 Chromebooks for students needing access to online learning during school closures. Dollars raised will go to funding grants for promising educational initiatives, professional development and programs that close gaps in opportunity and achievement.

NSF will notify each teacher honored of your gift and share their names with Principals and the Superintendent. A list of honored teachers will appear on the NSF website and in the Newton TAB.

It’s easy to donate online at http://www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org/honor-thy-teacher .

Zoom Open Houses for Highlands After School Program

The Highlands After-School Program, just for middle school children, is hosting Zoom Open Houses for interested families in May and June. Here’s the link for additional information on how to join:

https://www.highlandsafter-schoolprogram.org/announcements

SPACE IS LIMITED! This is a terrific opportunity for parents learn more about the program as they plan for the upcoming school year. If you can’t make an Zoom meeting or would like more information contact Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or highlandsafterschool@gmail.com or visit the website https://www.highlandsafter-schoolprogram.

Nature Exploration Virtual Nature Classes for Ages 3 to 7

Looking for a way to engage your young explorer at home and outdoors?

Sign up for a virtual PUDDLESTOMPERS Nature Exploration class! Each weekly class consists of a pre-recorded lesson with three fabulous naturalists teachers who will lead the children through a virtual circle time about a springtime topic. Then head outside for an interactive outdoor experience where the children can follow along, either with the video or in their own explorations. Afterwards, one of the teachers will read a story based on a springtime topic.

Every participant will get:
* a STEM activity sheet
* an outdoor activity or scavenger hunt
* a handout to extend the learning into the home
* a coloring sheet

Topics so far include “Signs of Spring,” “Birds:Nesting,” “Soil,” and “Seed Growth.” Up next:”Worms!” The beauty of these classes is that they are pre-recorded and can be watched at any time! Price: $15.00 per lesson.

Additional details are available at https://www.puddlestompers.com/virtual-classes or  www.puddlestompers.com. As always, your teachers are here for you! If you have any questions, email  info@puddlestompers.com and a teacher naturalist will be in touch!

Newton Community Farm’s online Seedling Sale

Newton Community Farm is opening their online Seedling Sale on April 27th. Order through May 13th, then schedule your curbside pickup date and time in mid-May. There are over 80 varieties of vegetable, fruit, herb, and flower seedlings plus soil for sale.

Thank you for supporting the Farm and happy gardening! https://newtoncommunityfarm.org/news-events/2020-seedling-sale/