Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

News from the Newton Free Library

On the heels of Governor Baker’s state-wide reopening dates, the Newton Free Library is carefully planning a phased reopening that is uniquely tailored to the large and active public library.  They’re developing new work processes and will be rolling out a limited array of library services to the community in the coming weeks. While extremely eager to restore library services, this will be a gradual process because they are committed to your safety and the safety of their dedicated staff.

Virtual programming will continue for some time. Registration is required for all virtual events, please click the title to link to view the full program description and registration information.

Love the  Children’s Programming? Sign up here for the NEW Children’s Program Email!

Tween/Teen Event Highlights:

  • Virtual Anime Movie: Wednesdays at 5:00 pm. Missing anime club or movies with your friends? Join for a virtual anime movie! You’ll be watching NiNoKuni (2019). Runtime 106 minutes. Grades 5-12.
  • Zoom & Make: Crochet Basics: Every other Thursday at 5:00 pm. Learn to crochet a nifty washcloth or dishcloth you can use or give away! You’ll learn the basics of crochet and create a useful first project. You can try out the easy-to-follow pattern beforehand and join us in the Zoom class to work out any problems and chat! Grades 5-12.
  • Virtual Teen Area: Saturdays at 3:00 pm theTeen Area goes virtual! Use this time to be together at home, ask questions, play games, complete challenges, and craft! This is a librarian-moderated Zoom program hosted for tweens and teens in grades 5-12.

Wait there’s more! Don’t miss our continuing programming for
Adults:

  • Tech Time appointments: Need help with your device or to borrow ebooks from the library? Book a session to have a librarian help you over the phone. Appointments available Monday-Friday.
  • Tele-Librarian: You’ve got questions, they’ve got answers! Sign up for an appointment for a librarian to assist you with a research-related question.
  • Weekly Short Story Discussion Group: Join each Wednesday for a discussion of 2 different short stories.
  • Curious Eats Cooking Blog Club: Do you like cooking and blogs? Combine those two interests and come talk to other people who enjoy those things. You’ll share photos of the dishes you’ve cooked each week from a chosen food blog.

Tween/Teen:

  • Magic The Gathering: Wednesdays at 5:30 pm. Interested in finding a meet up to play Magic: The Gathering after school? We’ve found just the place: Zoom! Moderated by a local Newton South student, please download Magic the Gathering Arena. Registration is required to receive a Zoom link. (For grades 5-12)
  • Star Wars Escape Room: available anytime. BB-8’s missing! Try to find him before Kylo Ren gets to him and is able to download the map to find out where Luke Skywalker is! May the force be with you. (For all ages)

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.

Newton Food Pantry Front Porch Drive: Diapers & Baby Wipes

Please Support the Newton Food Pantry Front Porch Drive: Diapers & Baby Wipes

Many food pantry clients have young children and are in need of diapers and wipes. Please see important details surrounding this critical drive and signup sheet HERE.

Once you signup, all donated diapers/wipes can be dropped off on the front porch of 133 Waban Ave., Waban from May 28th to May 31st. Any questions please email: admin@newtonfoodpantry.org. Thank you for your generous support!

Bus Driver/Crossing Guard Appreciation

Interested in thanking our crossing guards, bus drivers, and van drivers? Newton Safe Routes to School normally hosts Bus Driver/Crossing Guard Appreciation Day in June each year to thank these important community safety helpers.

This year instead appreciation will be in the form of a photo collage from grateful families all across Newton. If you’d like to participate, make a sign thanking them, hold it up, snap a pic, and email it to newtonsaferoutes@gmail.com by Friday, June 5th. Adults and kids alike are welcome to make signs! Please note that the photo will be shared.

May is National Bike Month. For tips on bike sizing, the ABC’s and helmet fit, visit www.newtonsaferoutes.org.

Emergency Housing Relief Program

Are you struggling to pay your rent because you have lost income due to COVID-19?

The City of Newton in partnership with Metro West Collaborative Development is providing three months of rent assistance to qualified individuals and families. Please see the flyer HERE and visit the web page at COVID-19 EMERGENCY HOUSING RELIEF PROGRAM for details and application instructions. The application deadline is June 3, 2020.

This information is also available in Arabic الترجمة العربية ; Chinese 简体中文; Japanese 日本語; Korean 한국어; Portuguese português; Russian русский; Spanish español; Turkish Türk Dili; and Vietnamese Tiếng Việt.

Contact Robyn to begin the process by emailing robyn@metrowestcd.org or calling 617-923-3505 x 5. Translation services available. Applications received after June 3rd will be added to the bottom of the list and considered while funding lasts.

Navigating the college application process: a panel discussion webinar

The college search and application process can be complicated and taxing for students and parents alike. Want to learn how to make the process easier? Come to a free panel discussion webinar with former Newton South PTSO co-chair Betsy Blagdon, writing coach Jane Hirschhorn, psychologist Debbie Offner and college counselor Maruta Vitols.

The webinar is free and is sponsored in part by the Newton Free Library. Registration is required and is capped at 100 attendees, but the webinar will be recorded.

You can register for the panel discussion here. For more information, contact jane@jbhtutoring.com or NCPanelNewton@gmail.com.

June 4th,  7:00 – 8:00 pm

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.