Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

New England Chinese Dance Festival

To celebrate its 5th anniversary, Bright Pearl Dance Academy will hold New England Chinese Dance Festival at Newton North High School on Saturday, June 21st at 7:00 pm. This special event will feature a wide variety of picturesque dances along with some beautifully crafted costumes, accentuated by various props, including umbrellas, handkerchiefs, and lanterns. The performances will showcase several delightful, ravishing and elegant dance features, some of which were drawn from the unique and aesthetic art forms of dance drama, classical Chinese painting and Chinese calligraphy.

The Dance Festival has two special themes:

Chapter I: “Colorful Bright Pearls and Glittery Bright Stars” Continue reading →

The Asian Pacific American Heritage Film Festival

Two award-winning films are playing at the West Newton Cinema and they are free to K – 12 students, and $10.00 for adults.

On May 21st: “One Big Hapa Family” – a colorful documentary capturing the serious issues of racism and integration, with a spotlight on mixed-race Asians.

On May 22nd: “Linsanity” a documentary film about the rise of Asian-American basketball player Jeremy Lin overcoming discouragements and racism and achieving success through his faith, desire and perseverance.

More information available at www.newtoncommunitypride.org.

Nursery School openings

Temple Beth Avodah Nursery School is now enrolling for the 2014/15 School Year

  • Me 2 Toddler Program 18 months-2.8 years Tues/Thurs
  • Preschool ages 2.9-3.8 years, 3 or 5 day schedule
  • Transition to Kindergarten 4-5 years, 5 day schedule

Flexible Lunch, Enrichment, and Extend and Play options until 5:00 pm. Experienced, nurturing teachers and a low teacher to student ratio. Please contact: Heidi Baker, Director hb****@********ah.org or 617-527-0045 extension 110

Dreamfar 10K and new 5K to help build a playground

​May 18th is the annual Newton 10K to benefit Dreamfar High School Marathon. Dreamfar challenges high school students to reach their full potential – physically, socially, emotionally, and academically – through a mentor-supported marathon training program.

New to the 10K this year is the 5K Chaser – a family-oriented 5K – whose participant proceeds will directly support the Playground Building Fund at Horace Mann Elementary.

A great way to get the family together and support this important initiative to replace the aged wooden structure on Albemarle Street. Widely used by the entire Newton Community during events such as Albemarle Acres Summer Camp, Newton Little League and the Annual Newton 4th of July Fireworks as well as the students at Horace Mann – the large wooden structure, like so many others in Newton needs to be replaced – and they would love your SUPPORT!

Please sign up today for the 5k https://racewire.com/register.php?id=3610  and help to rebuild this important part of your community.

Thank you!
Horace Mann Elementary

 

Summer and/or Fall Music Lessons

The Maestro Musicians Academy is now taking students for the summer and fall of 2014! Expert lessons in piano, violin, viola, cello, and voice.

  • Locations at the Young Israel of Brookline in Coolidge Corner and the Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association in West Newton.
  • Perfect for children ages 4 and up.
  • Stellar faculty with emphasis on developing the potential of every unique student.
  •  Parent tested, Child approved!

Contact Artistic Director Daniel Broniatowski, D.M.A. at 857-756-5230. http://www.maestromusiciansacademy.com

Scholarship Opportunity

In recognition of Doug Clott and Melinda Roman, beginning this year, Newton Girls Softball is awarding a one-time $1,000 scholarship to up to two graduating seniors who live in Newton or attend a Newton Public School, and who are accepted into a post high school institution of higher education, and who have played on a high school varsity or JV softball team or coached or umpired in the Newton Girls Softball League for at least one year, and who have played in Newton Girls Softball recreational or Panther programs for at least three seasons, and who exemplify the values of Newton Girls Softball.

The name of the award is the Doug Clott and Melinda Roman Newton Girls Softball Scholarship. Scholarship applications must be submitted by May 16, 2014 for consideration. Applications can be downloaded at www.newtongirlssoftball.org.

Two upcoming Panel Discussions

Social Media Showcase: David Luis Ortega will lead a discussion with his unique perspective as both a practicing psychologist and an active member of the gaming developer community. Luca Anna Koritsanszky, Boston University, School of Public Health Graduate Student will give a tour and take questions on Snapchat, Vine, Instagram, WhatsApp, Kik and other social media apps. Moderating the event will be Nancy Baym,  Day parent and author of Personal Connections in the Digital Age, Principal Researcher at Microsoft Research New England.

Wednesday, April 30th at 7:00 pm in Day’s Auditorium
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Social and Emotional Well Being Panel Discussion: Day’s PTO presents a panel of experts on teen mental health. Speakers will focus on how to identify mental health problems and develop coping skills. The discussion will cover the increasing number of issues today’s teens face, including pressure for social acceptance, body image, substance use, and depression. The panel will address how parents, educators, and the community can support and promote the social and emotional well-being of our teens. Panelists include Richard Saitz, M.D., Boston University Schools of Medicine and Public Health; Janice Furlong, Ph.D., Clinical Associate Professor at Boston University School of Social Work; Maxine Alcheck, Ph.D., Adolescent Psychologist; Meghan Hudson, School Psychologist at F.A. Day Middle School; and Moderator Hyeouk Chris Hahm, Ph.D., Associate Professor School of Social Work, Boston University.

Monday, May 12th at 7:00 pm in Day’s Auditorium

Newton Cares

Mayor Setti D. Warren and the Newton Cares Coalition for Suicide Prevention and Mental Health invite all community members to come together for an awareness event on May 3rd. The event will take place in the War Memorial Auditorium at Newton City Hall from 1:00 to 3:00 pm.

Newton Cares was launched in November 2013 and immediately began work to raise awareness and identify strategies to assist in creating a healthy, empowered community that promotes emotional wellbeing across the lifespan. Speakers will give an update on the community response to mental health needs and perspective on what it means to struggle with mental health issues. The event will also include education, advocacy and resource tables staffed by local organizations.

Join Mayor Setti D. Warren, Senator Cynthia Creem, and Representatives Ruth Balser, Kay Khan and John Lawn in this meaningful and important community event to support Newton’s efforts around suicide prevention and mental health awareness.

Let’s Get Organized workshop for families of special ed children

Come to a special workshop called Let’s Get Organized, where experts from Family Ties of Massachusetts will present on how to organize all of the paperwork and materials that come with being a special ed parent, and will provide concrete written materials to expand our organizational skills. Participants will take home a three-ring binder, organizational supplies, and lots of ideas on ways to bring order to the mountains of paperwork that relates to their child’s medical and educational needs.

If you’d like to come, please RSVP to ma***************@***il.com. When RSVP’ing, indicate if you would like the materials in a language other than English. Materials for this workshop are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Haitian Creole, Chinese, and Vietnamese. For questions, please email Ei***********************@***il.com.

May 13th, 7:30 pm (networking starting at 7:15)
Room 210, Education Center, 100 Walnut Street.