Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Affinity Group Meeting

Please join FORJ@Cabot for the second affinity and ally group planning meeting.

RSVP HERE 

This meeting is open to all parents of elementary aged children in the Newton Public Schools. Please RSVP so they can figure out how to group folks at the meeting. Children who can entertain themselves are welcome. At the great first meeting in January the group discussed what affinity and ally groups are, what parents are looking to gain from these groups for ourselves and our children, and initial steps to get the groups off the ground.

At the second meeting, the hope is to dive right into more in-depth discussions about organizing and getting the groups off the ground. So far, interest has been expressed for the following groups: families of color, multiracial families, moms of color, asian/south asian, LGBTQ+, single parents, black/african parents, latinx families, religious minorities, families of color with children who are differently abled/disabled/neurodivergent, and ally groups (for all of the above).

March 10th,  7:00 – 8:30 pm
Cabot Cafeteria, 229 Cabot Street

Spring musical at NSHS – Postponed until further notice

Please come to the Spring musical when NSHS South Stage presents Jesus Christ Superstar, a 1970 rock opera with music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, stage directed by Jeff Knoedler with music direction by Ben Youngman, and set in a contemporary, urban setting. The story is loosely based on the Gospels account of the last week of Jesus’ life.

Tickets are on sale online at SouthStage.org beginning on March 9th and will also be available at the door. Ticketing in advance is recommended.

March 19th, 20th and 21st, 7:30PM
Seasholes Auditorium, Newton South High School

Sorry, postponed until further notice.

Spring Classes for All Ages and Interests

Registration is underway for Spring classes for children and adults. Classes begin during the week of March 29th and are open to the entire community.  Classes for children include aquatics, art, dance, STEM, sports and more.  Classes for adults include painting, Pilates, Basketball Leagues and Tai Chi.

A sampling of free children’s classes will be offered on March 22nd, 1 -2:30 pm during a STEM Free Day of Play. Children can explore space with Mad Science’s NASA program, hop onto a giant chess board with a former US Women’s Chess Champion, code with KIBO robots, and get hands on with nature exploration. Super Soccer Stars will also be facilitating pick-up soccer games and sample clinics. View entire listing of Spring classes and register at bostonjcc.org/classes or call 617-558-6443.

Leventhal-Sidman JCC, 333 Nahanton Street, Newton

Athletes Unlimited Parent Social

Join fellow parents and guardians for this adults-only social event.  New parents, please come learn about Athletes Unlimited and meet other parents who have children with disabilities.  Current parents, please come socialize and share any ideas you may have on programming.  Newton Athletes Unlimited offers recreational programs to individuals with disabilities. It is an amazing resource for students and their parents alike.

Appetizers will be provided with a cash bar.  Please RSVP by clicking here.  You can learn more about Athletes Unlimited here https://www.newtonathletesunlimited.org/

March 26th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Upstairs at Paddy’s Public House, 95 Elm Street, West Newton

After School this Spring at Newton Community Farm

Farm Tuesdays for ages 7-11. Please register here Farm.

This program for elementary-school kids meets weekly on Tuesday afternoons. Kids will start seedlings for planting at the farm and at home, care for chickens and help prepare the learning garden for the growing season. Rain or shine they’ll spend most of the afternoon outdoors learning about the farm, working in the garden, playing games and doing projects. Fee is $160.00 per child. Contact education@newtoncommunityfarm.org with questions or for more information.

Session meets Tuesdays March 31st – May 26th (no class April 21st), 1:30 – 3:00 pm
Newton Community Farm, 303 Nahanton Street, Newton

Newton South English Teacher will run 2020 Boston Marathon for Newton Schools Foundation

Jasmine Lellock, Newton South High School English teacher, will run this year’s Boston Marathon to raise funds for Newton Schools Foundation (NSF). Her goal is to raise $5000 to support important programs that enhance students’ educational experience in the Newton Public Schools.

Jasmine began running in 2003, when her students encouraged her to run some laps
with their indoor track team. That spring, she ran her first 26-miler, the Cape Cod Marathon, and she’s run 12 marathons since.

“Students inspired me to start running, and they’ve been part of my journey ever since,”
said Jasmine. She coached the Randolph High School track team and ran the Providence
Marathon twice alongside members of the Newton South Dreamfar Team. This year she met her life goal of qualifying for the Boston Marathon–by 8 seconds!

“I feel honored to run my first ever Boston Marathon for Newton Schools Foundation,”
said Jasmine. ”NSF supports programs that encourage high achievement for all students, and as a teacher at Newton South High School, I’ve personally experienced the benefits of their work,” she said. “Students in my class have participated in the Courageous she said. “Students in my class have participated in the Courageous Conversations About Race program, which NSF funds, and I’ve attended several professional development workshops through the Teachers as Scholars Program, funded by a grant from NSF, I’ve also been part of NSF’s annual Honor Thy Teacher recognition program.”

“We’re thrilled and privileged to have Jasmine run for Newton Schools Foundation,”
said Marcia Tabenken, NSF co-president. “Her commitment to helping students achieve success in the classroom and on the track makes Jasmine an ideal ambassador for NSF in this year’s Boston Marathon.”

NSF is committed to expanding opportunities for all students in the Newton Public
Schools, by funding programs in three broad areas: New and promising initiatives, professional development opportunities for teachers, and programs that close gaps in achievement and opportunity. NSF-supported programs span all grades, preschool-high school, and include the areas of STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math), sustainability, literacy, civics, the arts, and social/emotional development.

To donate to Jasmine’s run, click
https://charity.gofundme.com/o/en/campaign/jasmines-boston-marathon-charity-run

Jasmine will host a trivia night fundraiser on March 12th, 7:00 – 10:00 pm at Baramor, 45 Union Street, Newton Centre To purchase tickets at $40.00 per person, please Venmo @Jasmine-Lellock.

Newton Schools Foundation is a 501(c) 3, non-profit organization, whose mission is to advance excellence and equity in the Newton Public Schools by funding promising initiatives, professional development, and programs that close gaps in achievement and opportunity.

Newton Porchfest 2020 Sign ups are open!

Spring is just around the corner. Let’s get ready for Porchfest 2020!

PorchFest is an afternoon of music performances on porches and driveways around Newton. Porchfest 2019 included 100+ musical groups performing all over Auburndale, Lower Falls and in Waban Center.  They hope to match or exceed the number of performances this year!

NewtonPorchfest 2020 is scheduled June 6th (raindate June 7th).

Participate in Porchfest as a

•Host:  Sign up to host a band on your porch, lawn or driveway.  PorchFest will take place in Auburndale, Lower Falls and Waban Center.
•Performer:  Are you a singer-songwriter, part of a jazz quartet, rock band, or dancer?  All forms of musical talent, all ages are welcome!
•Volunteer:  They’d love your help!
•Donor:  Newton PorchFest is funded entirely by donations.  Any and all donations are welcome.

Sign up to participate or to learn more about Porchfest 2020 at https://newton.porchfest.info/

Children’s learning, language and development study opportunities

The Cognitive Neuroscience Group at the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston is recruiting children between the ages of 8 and 12 years to participate in research studies funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the National Institute of Health (NIH).

Study 1. This is a longitudinal study that follows children over a period of 3 consecutive years. The goal is to improve understanding of learning in children. The study consists of 1 in-person visit (about 2.5 hours scheduled on weekdays and weekends) per year for 3 years. During this visit, children play several games on the computer and complete several language/memory tasks. The lab visit includes safe and noninvasive EEG recording. The day after the visit, kids complete a quick follow-up task from a home/library computer. More information can be found at https://clinicaltrials.partners.org/study/feedback_learning

Study 2. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the learning patterns of children with typical and atypical language development. The study will involve 2 visits to the lab at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. During the visits, children complete a battery of cognitive and language-based assessments, play several games on the computer and complete several language/memory tasks. The lab visit includes safe and noninvasive EEG recording.  A visit will last about 3 hours. A week after the second lab visit your child will be asked to complete follow up tasks on a home computer or a mobile device. Researchers are looking for children who were late to develop language, and who still receive services for language or learning difficulties. More information can be found at https://rally.partners.org/study/does_your_child_stru

Payment is $60 for each in-person visit to the lab and there is free all-day parking provided at the Navy Yard. Results of your child’s cognitive and language-based assessments are mailed to you. Please email cnglead@mghihp.edu or call 617- 724-7363 if you are interested or if you have any questions.

Thank you,
Isabel Fitzpatrick and The LEAD Study Team