Category Archives: Other

Two ways to help the Newton Food Pantry

1. Volunteer in July and August to distribute senior groceries at Newton Housing Authority.

Interested individuals (between the ages of 18-60) will need to commit to every Wednesday in July and August from 9:45 – 11:45 and have their own car. The volunteer will meet at an NHA Housing Complex and be given bags of groceries to carry and drop at residents’ doors. Delivery is contactless. Each week will involve driving to 3 or 4 complexes. Please email Cat Strahan at catstrahan@gmail.com by June 17th if interested in this role.

2. Apply to be one of two Development/ Management interns

The internship would be for a duration of 6 weeks, and would be largely conducted virtually; with certain important aspects of the work to be conducted on site at the NFP.

The main areas of work will be to assist with the preparation of the needs assessment report to aid with the strategic planning process to be undertaken by the NFP Board. The Interns will be given the training and tools needed to complete this work; no previous direct experience is needed. The Interns will assist with: data gathering, data analysis, report writing, document preparation; and other research and writing tasks as needed. To provide essential context for this important work, the Interns will be required to assist with food pantry operations work (sorting or distribution) at least twice a month, the type and details of this hands-on work will be decided with the volunteer coordinator.

The Interns will be supervised by NFP Development Coordinator and Board Members as needed, and will have regular (at least weekly) interaction via phone/ video/ in person meetings as needed.

Qualifications:
– Current college student or college graduate.
– Current Newton residents preferred.
– Required skills: good writing and communication skills, basic research skills, task management and project management skills, open & friendly attitude.
– Ability to work independently and problem solve.
– Interested in learning about food insecurity and social issues in our community
– Must have their own computer and internet access; NFP is unable to provide equipment to interns.

Please direct all questions and applications for this role to  development@newtonfoodpantry.org by June 17th.

Bike Safety

Have you heard of the ABCs? Not those ABCs, but the ones that have to do with bicycling? Join our friends from the Massachusetts Safe Routes to School for a virtual bike session. You will learn some tips to make sure you and your bike are ready for a full summer of biking in your neighborhood. This program is geared towards children in grades 3-6, but since it’s virtual, invite your family members of all ages to join in! Bring your helmet.

Brought to you in partnership with Newton Safe Routes to School, especially for the 4th/5th graders whose bike safety training was canceled this spring due to COVID-19.

Pre-registration is necessary for this event. One registration per zoom account. The day before the program you will receive a reminder email with the zoom link along with any further instructions.

Here’s the direct link to register https://newtonfreelibrary.libcal.com/event/6788542

June 16th, 4:30 -5:15 pm via Zoom

2020 Newton SEPAC Special Educator awards

Nominations are now open for the 2020 Newton SEPAC Special Educator Awards. Although the ceremony will be held virtually this year, it is still a great opportunity to thank all the special educators in your student’s life!

The SEPAC Special Educator Awards are presented to Newton faculty and staff members who have done exceptional work with students receiving special education services. Parents, guardians, and students may nominate any NPS staff member who they believe has gone above and beyond in their work with special education students (i.e.: special ed staff, general ed staff, principals, aides, BT’s, administrative staff, custodians, crossing guards, etc).

All nominations must be received by June 17, 2020. Click HERE  to submit your nomination.

2020 Newton Schools Foundation Honor Thy Teacher

If you are looking for a way to say “Thank You!” to your child’s teacher or other school support person as this extremely unusual school year comes to a close, please consider Newton Schools Foundations’ Honor Thy Teacher campaign. This program provides an opportunity for families to thank school personnel by giving a gift to the Newton Schools Foundation in their honor, while also complying with the Newton Public Schools’ teacher gift policy.

Newton Schools Foundation (NSF) is a non-profit organization that raises funds to enhance educational excellence throughout Newton’s public schools. Your gift will support NSF grants that go towards promising educational initiatives, professional development, and programs that close gaps in opportunity and achievement.

After receiving each donation, NSF will notify the honored teachers and staff of your gift, share the honoree names with the Superintendent and Principals, and list each of those honored on the NSF website and in the Newton TAB.

If you have an elementary school child, look for a postcard arriving in your mail for NSF donation information. You can also always make your tax-deductible donation on-line at www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org, or mail it to Newton Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 590020, Newton Centre, MA 02459. Please be sure to include the names of the teachers and/or staff that you are honoring.

Launch of Library To-Go!

Do you miss borrowing physical books, movies, music and more from Newton’s library? The wait is nearly over. The Newton Free Library is launching “Library To-Go,” a new contactless hold and pickup service this week. This service will be available on an appointment only basis.

Now is a great time to place holds on library items through the online catalog so you are ready to take advantage of this new service.  Library staff will soon be contacting residents who already have items ready for pickup and sharing instructions on how to schedule a pickup reservation.

Have a book or movie to return? The Library is accepting returns via the book drop near the Library’s Homer Street entrance. (Returned materials will be held for a few days before they are checked in and readied for the next borrower, out of an abundance of caution.)

Virtual Library programming will continue for some time, and their talented team has prepared a dynamic week of programmings to keep you engaged and connected. Registration is required for all virtual events, please visit the Library website for a full listing of options and click the title to view full program descriptions and registration informations.

S.P.A.C.E. Camp 2020 Summer Program for Academic & Creative Endeavors

Virtual SPACE is a four week enrichment program specifically designed to enable campers to explore, learn, and connect with their peers under the guidance of highly qualified educators. The staff is excited and motivated to be working with small groups of campers and provide them with engaging and enriching activities.

SPACE has a long history of providing creative, fun, and engaging experiences for campers in Newton.  Virtual SPACE will continue to provide excellent and engaging programming for their campers and also hopes that Virtual SPACE can provide families with structure and stability for the month of July.

Lower Camp Programming 
Lower campers (campers entering kindergarten to 3rd grade) will explore and thrive in a small group setting. Lower camp will offer small group breakout rooms to facilitate authentic connections with staff and other campers. Campers will also engage in daily activities such as read aloud, arts and crafts, yoga and meditation, and Boxygen. Supply kits will be included for arts and crafts.

Upper Camp Programming
Upper Campers (campers entering 4th to 9th grades) will choose from a selection of electives to design their own schedule. These virtual electives will run for the entire four week program enabling in-depth study, project-based learning, and skill development. All electives were specifically chosen based on their capacity to continue to be engaging for campers in a virtual setting. The daily schedule will consist of three 45 minute electives (chosen by the camper) with two 15 minute independent breaks. Campers will have the opportunity to change their schedule during the first week of SPACE if they want, but their day to day routine will remain the same after that. Campers will be in small groups to enable connection with staff and campers, in addition to support and instruction from the highly qualified staff.

Early Registration for Virtual SPACE is $500.00 for the month. Families sending multiple campers will receive a $50.00 discount per camper. Registration will increase $50.00 per camper after June 12th.

Checks can be mailed to SPACE Camp:
100 Walnut St, Room 218, Newtonville, MA 02460

Session runs Monday July 6th- Thursday, July 30th
9:00 – 11:45 am

Learn more on the website https://sites.google.com/abschools.org/space-camp/home and register electronically here.

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Free story program

EveryBody Signs is offering a free story program: BOOKS for BREAKFAST! Come once, or come every time! Bring your family, invite your friends.

It’s by Zoom, so they’ll send the link when you email everybodysigns@gmail.com

See the flyer here and check out the vlog about it here, in ASL with captions
https://www.facebook.com/1131154270/posts/10221119992286039/?d=n

May 31st – June 28th, 9:00 – 9:30 am

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)

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!