Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

PARENTING-Let’s Discuss!

Join Cindy Kaplan MA, Family/Parent Coach for some great discussions right in Newton Center! Thursday evenings, once a month. Either sign up for individual discussions or for all!

December 14th: What is Mindful Parenting and Why Does it Matter?
January 18th: When Your Kid Pushes Your Buttons and What You Can Do About it?
February 15th: Does Your Child’s Anxiety Make You Anxious?
March 15th: Step Out of Power Struggles and into Problem Solving
April 12th: What If You Are Not on the Same Child Rearing Page as Your Partner?
May 17th: Mastering the Art of Setting Clear Boundaries

Click Here: http://cindykcoaching.com/product/parenting-discussions/ or go to www.cindykcoaching.com to register.  Space is limited to 10 participants per evening.
Questions? e-mail ci***@************ng.com.

December events at Historic Newton

HOLIDAY SALE AT HISTORIC NEWTON MUSEUM SHOPS
Find distinctive gifts – all on sale – at Historic Newton’s two museum shops. Choose among cards made with fabric hand-woven by children at our fall Hayfest, as well as reproductions of watercolors painted by 19th century Jackson Homestead resident Ellen Jackson, and 3D images. Pick up a candle or a jar of our custom-made pear jam for a hostess gift or stocking stuffer. From picture books about the Underground Railroad to Newton memorabilia, our selection targets all ages.

Everyone receives a 10% discount; Historic Newton members take 25% off.
Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington Street and the Durant Kenrick House, 286 Waverley Avenue
Ongoing through December 31st,  Wednesday – Friday, 11:00 am – 5:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm

Information: 617-796-1450 or 617-641-9142

HOLIDAY CANDLELIGHT TOUR OF DURANT-KENRICK HOUSE
Built in 1734, the Durant-Kenrick House was the home of families who observed the winter holidays in different ways. Take a special tour of the house by candlelight led by Historic Newton staff, enjoy winter caroling, and sip hot cider and cocoa. Kids can create winter crafts, too. Space is limited. Advanced registration is recommended through historicnewton.org

December 17th, 5:30 pm
Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue
Admission: $10 for non-members, $5 for Historic Newton members and children ages 10 and over. Children under 10, free.
Registration: www.newtonma.gov/candletour
Information: 617-641-9142

Chemistry tutor

Improve your grade in your Chemistry course. Prepare yourself for SAT2 Chemistry exam. Lida Famili, a retired Milton Academy Chemistry teacher is offering tutoring in Chemistry courses and SAT2 Chemistry test. Lida has taught Chemistry for 25 years and has dozens of references. Walking distance to Newton South high school. Please call or text at 617-780-5461 or email li********@***il.com.

FREE Diversity Children’s Books for Parents, Teachers, Librarians (anyone!)

Mia Wenjen, a parent at FA Day and NNHS who co-founded Multicultural Children’s Book Day (coming up January 27th) to celebrate diversity in KidLit, is offering FREE diversity children’s books.

1) Simply post a short review on Facebook or Instagram or YouTube or a blog and receive one FREE diversity children’s book for ages 1 through 14. You will receive a book based on the age range you request. Sign up here:
https://www.pragmaticmom.com/2017/10/sign-up-for-free-diversity-childrens-book/

2) Host a book event in your home, library or classroom and receive 3 FREE diversity books and a swag pack:
http://multiculturalchildrensbookday.com/category/offline-classroomlibrary-event-project/

Creating Successful Students

High school parents and students are invited to “Creating Successful Students”, presented by Dan Levine of Engaging Minds, to learn strategies for reducing academic stress, conquering procrastination, and strengthening executive functioning skills at home. Specific strategies include:

  • Managing nightly homework
  • Short-term and long-term assignment planning and time management
  • How to get “unstuck” when having trouble initiating tasks
  • How to organize papers, assignments, belongings, and more.

This workshop is FREE and open to the public. Click here for flyer: Successful Students. Engaging Minds is an after school learning center with locations in Newton and Natick. The strategies presented will not require purchasing services from Engaging Minds. Please RSVP to  qe*****@******ma.gov.

December 7th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Druker Auditorium, Newton Free Library.

Letter from the Hydro-Dragons

We are a group of 6th graders at Brown Middle School that are part of The First Lego League (FLL). FLL is an organization that allows kids ages of 9 to 16 to have the opportunity to help work as a team, and start to research real-world problems. The theme this year is Hydro Dynamics (water) and we are FLL Team #34813 Hydro-Dragons.

We have to find a problem related to water. Originally, we thought about the Flint water crisis, but since Flint is too far away to do much, we decided to focus on lead in Newton water. With this idea, we have developed a goal to raise awareness on lead and its dangers. We have learned that some Newton schools and public buildings have had high-levels of lead in drinking water.

To help raise awareness on lead in drinking water we are working on a website which will be available soon. Meanwhile to learn more about FLL visit   https://www.firstinspires.org/robotics/fll
For information on the 2017-2018 season challenge, please watch this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMuE4PKosys&feature=youtu.be

Public Speaking and Debate Workshop

Lumos is running a 2-day Debate Workshop during December, February, and April vacation breaks. Your child will study public speaking, critical thinking, and leadership with experienced instructors.

The class is lots of fun and very active – a good class even for shy or quiet kids. The class is open to students Grades 6-9. For more information call 617-901-4564. Register at: camp.lumosdebate.com/workshop/

Highlands After-School Program

The short winter days are upon us and if you’re looking for after-school activities for your child … the Highlands After-School Program has openings! The program is just for middle school kids attending Brown, Day and Oak Hill.

After School meets in Newton Highlands and has daily use of the Hyde Gym and a wide range of activities; including homework time, games and field trips. Transportation is provided daily. It’s not too late to sign up, with both regular monthly enrollment and day passes are available. For more information or to arrange a visit please, contact Rochelle Acker at 617-999-4617 or visit highlandsafterschool.org.

Update on Crescent Street Affordable Housing and Playground Project

The discussion of the anticipated funding request for the Crescent Street project (affordable housing and playground) in Auburndale/West Newton has been rescheduled for a special Community Preservation Committee meeting.

For additional information, go to www.newtonma.gov/gov/planning/cpa or contact Alice Ingerson, Program Manager, at ai*******@******ma.gov or 617-796-1144.

November 28th, 7:00 pm, City Hall Room 204