Category Archives: Education/Enrichment

Library Virtual event

Join Anna Malaika Tubbs for a presentation based on her acclaimed new book, The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation.

During this inspiring virtual program you will enjoy a fascinating exploration into the lives of three women ignored by history after raising sons who helped shape a movement.

Register at How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Malcolm X & James Baldwin Shaped a Nation This program is presented in partnership with Tewksbury Public Library.

March 24,  7:00 pm

Registration is required for all events (see the complete program calendar here!)

Hackathon for kids hosted by the Newton LigerBots

Do you have students who are creative and like problem-solving? Programming is a great way to combine storytelling and problem solving, especially when using Scratch.

The LigerBots, Newton’s High School robotics team, invites you to join them in a Hackathon for kids! Please see the flyer attached for more information!

Join the free virtual Scratch hackathon for students grades 4 – 8. Programmers of all levels can compete in teams of 2-4 to code the best animation in Scratch. There will be workshops throughout the event and prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

April 3rd, 1:00 – 5:00 pm

Free webinar on Pandemic Parenting

In the Pandemic Parenting: Supporting Teen Mental Health webinar, Dr. Archana Basu discusses how the pandemic is affecting teen, parent, and family mental health. Dr. Basu will provide practical evidence-based ways to manage parental stress and share tips for communicating with and supporting teens and young adults. This program is designed for parents, guardians, family members, youth workers, and any caring adults interested in teen mental health.

Register to join a live webinar discussion or watch on demand after it airs. After the webinar, complete the online evaluation and you’ll be entered for a chance to win a free educational book on the topic of teen depression.

Can’t attend the live webinar? Register today to submit your questions and watch the recorded webinar after it airs.

April 8th,  7:00 – 8:15 pm via Zoom

Better, safer mobility in Newton

Bike Newton has created a petition for better, safer mobility with specific actionable items, several of which are routes to schools. All parents are encouraged to read the petition and sign and share if they agree. Click here to view the petition.

To join Bike Newton’s email list, click on the green “Join Us” box on the website https://www.bikenewton.org.

Summer program options for your middle or high school student

For guidance on finding the right summer program for your middle or high school student, visit TeenSummerExpos.com

You’ll find a curated group of top summer opportunities listed by the child’s interests as well as virtual programs that kids can do during the school year. You can also get free personal guidance by phone to help you choose.

New Summer Sports Offerings from NCE

NCE is excited to offer expanded in-person summer sport camp opportunities for middle schoolers and rising high schoolers! Space is limited and scholarships are available!

Some of the expanded offerings include Flag Football, All Sports, Cross-Country Running and Swimming Clinics as well as their traditional offerings of:
Archery
Baseball
Basketball
Dance
Field Hockey
Lacrosse
Parkour
Softball
Tennis
Volleyball
Pre-season clinics for Field Hockey and Soccer

Check out the NCE 2021 Summer Catalogue for more information.

English, foreign language, math tutor available

Cassandra Luca, NSHS alumna (2017), now a senior at Harvard majoring in English and heading to McGill University for a Master’s in English next Fall, is currently available for private tutoring at the middle school, high school, and college levels.

Her primary tutoring subject is English, but she also has more than five years’ experience in history (all levels); math (through pre-calculus); foreign languages (Spanish, French, Latin at all levels); and biology (through AP Biology) and specializes in anything related to essay-writing: brainstorming, editing, revising, and proofreading.

Cassandra  focuses on building consistent study habits, the benefits of  problem-solving over memorization, and establishing a foundation of basic skills to draw on for increasingly complex projects.

At this time the preference is to meet via Zoom.  Please contact cassandraluca@gmail.com to discuss your child’s specific needs. Resume available upon request.

Overdue Series: When Getting Along is Not Enough

Newton Free Library hosts Maureen Walker, a licensed psychologist, speaker, educator, and writer who helps people bridge cultural differences such as race, religion, gender and other social status markers for this important education session.

Ms. Walker will speak about her new book, When Getting Along is Not Enough: Reconstructing Race in Our Lives and Relationships.

Visit Overdue for more information. Register for the talk here.

March 16th, 7:00 pm Online

What’s Happening at the West Suburban YMCA

Thinking about joining the Y?
Spin & Win! Now is a great time to join the Y! During the month of March, prospective members can spin a wheel and receive a prize. Prizes include 5% off three months of membership, a complimentary massage, and many other prize options. Visit https://www.wsymca.org/join-the-y/membership-promotion to learn more.

Learn about Overnight Camp!
This summer is a great time to send your kids to the Y’s overnight camp, Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, MA. At overnight camp, kids learn how to be more independent while also forming strong bonds and friendships. Adventure awaits! The Y is now offering Mini Camp sessions where freshmen campers between the ages of 7-10 can try out the overnight camp experience for just a week at a time rather than committing to the full three week session.

Refer a new camper to Camp Frank A. Day and you’ll each receive $200 off your camp fees. Referring two friends? You’ll get $400 off camp fees! Learn more about the Y’s summer camps at https://www.wsymca.org/camps

Register for Late Spring Programs
Session runs April 26th – June 20th . The Y remains committed to helping you and your family stay active, engaged, and safe. Stay active as a family by signing up for swimming, sports, music, and fitness programs! The Y also offers the option to “Create A Class,” where participants can form a group, such as a family, bubble, or cohort, to create their own custom class, including sports, aquatics, and fitness. Visit the Y’s website for more details and to view a full catalog of offerings at https://www.wsymca.org/find-a-program

Current Hours of Operation
Monday – Thursday, 5:30 am – 9:00 pm
Friday, 5:30 am – 8:00 pm
Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 am – 4:00 pm

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs
The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and it is their mission to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Please contact our Membership Department at 617-244-6050 ext. 3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

Safety Protocols and Procedures
The West Suburban YMCA is operating in accordance with all guidelines and recommendations outlined by the CDC, the state of Massachusetts, and local health authorities. Visit the Y’s reopening guide for more about the West Suburban YMCA’s new protocols.

Newton Community Freedge

Despite Newton’s image as an affluent suburb, too many of our neighbors struggle to put food on their tables. On March 14th, Newton will have a new, free, supplemental food program that is available at all times and in all weather for anyone!

The Newton Freedge, an outdoor refrigerator and pantry, will be located at 420 Washington Street, Nonantum, graciously hosted by Mark Levine in the parking lot of Central Drapery and Dry Cleaning.

This all volunteer-run initiative, led by the Newton Food Pantry in collaboration with a diverse group of Newton organizations, will have teams monitor and clean the Freedge and stock it with prepared food and other items donated from local businesses.

How Can You Help? Spread the word to those who need food. The Freedge is open to anyone, no questions asked and no sign up needed. Help build momentum, join the Newton Freedge Facebook Group and follow the Freedge on Instagram.Donate items to the Freedge. Please review donation guidelines here.

Learn more at http://www.newtonfoodpantry.org/newton-freedge/  Contact newtoncommunityfreedge@gmail.com to get involved