Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

A performance in honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Composer/Vocalist (and Angier mom), Dana Sandler, will be presenting the world premiere of her new composition, I Never Saw Another Butterfly, new chamber jazz musical settings of selected children’s poetry from Terezin Concentration Camp, in honor of the 75th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camps.

This debut performance is open to the public. For ticket information and to view the official project trailer, please visit www.danasandler.com.

January 26th,  4:00 – 5:00 pm
Temple Shalom of Newton, 175 Temple Street

What’s Happening at the West Suburban YMCA (including February Break)

MLK Day of Service Event
The Y is partnering with The Second Step to host a volunteer event on Martin Luther King Jr. Day.  Using the items collected during the recent supply drive, volunteers will sort and organize items into “blessing bags” for families in need. All are welcome to participate in this community-wide, family friendly event.  The event will start with a short presentation from The Second Step at 10:00 am, followed by bag stuffing (Note:  This event ends when all bags have been stuffed).
January 20th, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Kids Night Out
Parents, drop off your kids for a fun Friday night with qualified staff members for a Kids Night Out. They’ll order pizza for dinner and keep the children entertained with games, swimming, movies and sports. $25 per child for Y members and $30 for the community. A 20% discount is offered per child for those with two or more children. Go out for the night and take advantage of this low-cost alternative to hiring a babysitter. Everyone wins!
February 7th, 6:00 – 10:00 pm

February Vacation Week is around the corner!

  • Out of School Time Vacation Programs are structured similarly to a day at camp, with  a mix of activities such as fun games, creative projects, and free swim.
  • Sports Vacation Clinics may include soccer, basketball, baseball, swimming, and more.
  • There’s also a new Creative Arts Vacation Program which includes visual art, singing, and dancing for kids 5-7 and music for kids 10-12.

February 18th – February 21st

West Suburban YMCA
276 Church Street, Newton

Middle School February Break Program

#PhonesAllowed – A Middle School February Break Program

Join a co-ed school break program for Newton middle school students, co-sponsored by Newton HHS and Boys for the Better, a Newton based non-profit dedicated to re-defining masculinity through Media Education, where 6-8th graders will learn how to:

  • Flip the script on negative media messaging, create their own social media voice, boost self-confidence, and learn how to communicate more effectively with peers, parents, and teachers
  • Form positive social relationships and learn new media literacy skills
  • Identify strategies for better managing time spent on social media and using digital devices, as well as practice healthy ways to manage their stress and emotional development

Please click here for a flyer: #phonesallowed

Students will spend time as a whole group learning new skills, and in small, gender specific groups doing hands-on activities and group discussion. If your student prefers not to identify with one gender, or if you have questions about our curriculum or plans, please feel free to call 617-796-1436 or email qetchie@newtonma.gov.

This event is welcoming and accepting of ALL students. $100 per student. Scholarships available upon request. Register at www.newtonma.gov/youth

February 18th – 21st, 12:00 – 4:00 pm
Newton North High School cafeteria

February events at Historic Newton (including February Break)

FREE WEEKEND AT HISTORIC NEWTON
Everyone is invited to enjoy free admission to the museums.
February 1st and February 2nd, 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street, and the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue
Information: 617-796-1450

STORYTIME AT THE MUSEUMS
The free, bi-weekly Storytime program engages kids 0 months to 3 years old by focusing on literacy, Newton’s history, play, and lessons from our museums. Families are welcome to bring older siblings. This week’s theme is “Winter.”
February 1st, 9:30 am
Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street
Information: 617-796-1450 Continue reading →

Boys* Move and Groove Hip Hop/Breakdancing Class

In this 60 minute class students age 6-11 years old will develop strength, coordination and rhythm by incorporating hip hop and b-boy moves, breakdancing, basic tumbling and fancy footwork! Gain confidence, poise and have fun! No experience necessary!

Boys Move and Groove is taught by the experienced faculty at the Joanne Langione Dance Center in West Newton. Learn more about this class and other class offerings for kids ages 6mo – 18 years at www.jldancecenter.com. Enrollment is ongoing throughout the year.

Call or email 617-969-8724 or angela@jldancecenter.com with additional questions or to set up a free trial.

*While all JLDC classes are coed, this class is designed for those looking for an all boys experience.

Spring Semester begins February 4th (no class on Feb. or April School Vacation weeks)Tuesdays, 1:15 – 2:15 pm

You’re Invited to LWVN’s Inaugural Civics Challenge

Celebrate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage and get excited for the March 3rd Massachusetts primaries by joining the League of Women Voters of Newton for this inaugural event! Adults and students in grades 8 and above are invited to participate.

This is a FREE event; no expertise is needed, just a will to challenge yourself and have some fun– You’ll test your knowledge of civics; federal, state, and local government; and the women’s suffrage movement.

Participants will work together in teams of 3-4 people.  Form your own team or register as an individual and we will assign you to a team.

Prizes will be awarded to the winning teams.  Refreshments will be provided.

For more information and to register, go to lwvnewton.org/civics-challenge or see the Facebook Event!

March 1st,  3:30 – 5:30 pm
Cabot School Cafeteria

Chemistry Tutor short walk to NSHS

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 Lida at lidafamili@gmail.com.

Are you a Parent of a Junior?

Are you feeling anxious or overwhelmed about the upcoming college application process? Are you already having disagreements with your child about what to do, and it’s only January?

If you answered “Yes!” to any of these questions, Dr. Maruta Z. Vitols, an independent comprehensive college consultant and graduate of Newton South High School (Class of 1994)  can help. She works with families to guide them through the increasingly complex process of applying to colleges so that students find their right fit schools. Check out the website for more information on her background, experience, counseling philosophy, and how she may support your student!

A+ College Consulting, LLC
161 Homer Street, Newton
617-216-0310

The 52nd Annual MLK Community Celebration

Join the 52nd Annual MLK Community Celebration. The program theme this year focuses on Knowing Your Neighbor.

•Featured performances will include Newton North’s Jubilee Singers, The Treble Singers, The Gospel Love Tones, and Newton’s first MLK Day Community Choir!

•Hear the voices of Newton Public Schools students as reflected in their Monologue Projects.

•Following the event, The Harmony Foundation and MLK Day Planning Committee will co-host a Community Reception (coffee and refreshments) and an Engagement and Activism Fair–Learn more about important local organizations and ways to become involved in Newton, and get to know your neighbors!

•Story Starters of Newton will host a story time and craft for younger kids (with their caregivers) starting at 10:30 am.

•The Rotary Club of Newton will also be collecting toiletry items to donate to Newton’s Food Pantries.

January 20th, 9:30 am – 12:00 noon
The First Baptist Church, 848 Beacon Street, Newton Centre