Category Archives: Other

Add your input about Food Services at Newton Schools

On March 28th, the School Committee working group in charge of hiring the new food services management company for Newton schools will be interviewing representatives from Sodexo and Whitens (the two companies that sent proposals) in order to determine which vendor we will be moving forward with once the current contract with Sodexo expires later this year.

While the interview is not open to the public, Matthew Miller from the School Committee feels that the parent/student/community voice needs to be heard. As such, they have assembled a form to collect questions.

Please send your questions and/or comments here: https://goo.gl/forms/4Fq3vABGNG6zJwrq2

Alexandra Levie will run the 2019 Boston Marathon for Understanding Our Differences!

Support Alexandra Levie as she runs the 2019 Boston Marathon for Understanding Our Differences! Newton-based charity Understanding Our Differences (UOD) has a runner in the 2019 Boston Marathon. Alexandra Levie of Gloucester is running to raise money for UOD in support of their mission and to help grow and update the program for the next generation.

UOD’s is a model, interactive disability awareness curriculum that teaches children to see the whole person and better understand the disability. The Understanding Our Differences program educates schools and communities and fosters respect and inclusion for people of all abilities.

The curriculum covers Blindness and Low Vision, Deafness and Hard of Hearing, Autism, Physical Disabilities, Intellectual Disabilities, Learning Disabilities, and Chronic Medical Conditions including Allergic Conditions, Asthma, Diabetes, and Epilepsy.

Understanding Our Differences is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and a national leader in disability awareness education, with unique expertise developed over its 40-year history.

Alex is a graduate of UMass Amherst and will complete her Masters in Public Health at Boston University in May. She believes in the mission of UOD and has volunteered at presentations of the UOD curriculum in Newton. She’s a busy young woman but training like a pro for Marathon Monday! Please support her at UOD with a donation at https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/campaign/alex-levie

Bigelow Special Education teacher will run 2019 Boston Marathon for Newton Schools Foundation

Brooke Brady, Newton Public Schools special education teacher, will run this year’s Boston Marathon to raise funds for Newton Schools Foundation (NSF). Her goal is to raise $5000 to support NSF-funded programs in the Newton Public Schools.

Ms. Brady, as she is known throughout the halls of Bigelow Middle School, is an avid
runner, having completed multiple half-marathons. This year’s Boston Marathon will be her first full marathon.

“I’m proud to have been chosen to run for Newton Schools Foundation,” Brady added.
“As a special educator in Newton for the past 15 years, I’ve had the opportunity to strengthen my skills and see first hand the positive impact that NSF-funded programs have on our students. The funds raised go directly to the professional development of the staff, and programs for the students.”

NSF is committed to expanding opportunities for all students in the Newton Public
Schools.   NSF-supported programs include initiatives in the areas of STEAM (science,
technology, engineering, art and math), sustainability, literacy, civics, the arts, cultural and social/emotional development, and closing the achievement gap.

To donate to Brooke’s run please visit Newton Schools Foundation’s website,
http://www.newtonschoolsfoundation.org/ .

Project Manna Concert’s 30th anniversary

Come celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Project Manna Concert. This spring marks the 30th anniversary of a sacred partnership between two communities of faith, Temple Emanuel of Newton and the Mass Avenue Baptist Church of Cambridge. For 30 years they’ve been doing Project Manna concerts together, which raise funds that support the food pantry and soup kitchen at the church.

Project Manna is a double blessing, helping feed the hungry, and in an age of division, black and white, Christian and Jew, church and synagogue, coming together in love. They are the sum of their commitments that they renew and deepen. Renew and deepen your commitment to decency, to repair, to building bridges. Renew and deepen your commitment to sacred song that inspires sacred deed.

All proceeds support the church’s Project Manna hot meals program and food pantry to benefit the homeless and hungry. Tickets are $20.00 for adults and $15.00 for students and seniors, and can be purchased online.

https://www.templeemanuel.com/event/project-manna-concert/

April 2nd,  7:00 pm
Temple Emanuel, 385 Ward Street,  Newton

Choirs participating: Continue reading →

Newton PorchFest 2019: Signups are now open

Signups for Newton PorchFest 2019, scheduled for June 1st (raindate June 2nd) are now open. PorchFest is an afternoon of free music performed outside of people’s homes. Last year’s inaugural event included 60+ bands. You can participate by signing up to play (all musicians of all types are welcome), host (residents of Auburndale, Lower Falls or Waban), or volunteer.

For more information and to signup, see https://newton.porchfest.info/.

Facilitative Leadership Training – ideal for FORJ teams

Join an interactive evening with Madeline McNeely, founder of Conditioning Leaders. She is a facilitator, trainer, coach and consultant who will share practices gleaned from her most popular trainings on good group leadership practices to ensure your FORJ team is operating at its best.

This is a special opportunity for your FORJ team to reflect on your experiences and learn helpful tools for sustainability and success!

Please RSVP here:RSVP

March 26th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm
Mason Rice Elementary School, 149 Pleasant St, Newton Centre

Newton Destination Imagination Creativity Day – May 4th

2019 NEWTON CREATIVITY DAY
Join in on Newton’s newest family-friendly, brain-tickling extravaganza! Newton DI Creativity Day is for all kids in grades K-12.

Participants will be placed into small groups that will work as a team to solve each exciting challenge. Challenges span areas including structural engineering, science, math, performance and improv. Kids will have a blast while learning valuable teamwork, project management and STEAM-based skills.

Please CLICK HERE to register and spread the word!
It’s going to be a blast!!!!

May 4th, 9:00 – 11:30 am OR 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
250 Brookline Street, Newton

City-wide FORJ meeting on Affordable Housing, Equity and Race in Newton

Join in to explore the relationship between housing, equity, and race. There will be pizza, a discussion, short video, and an interactive small group activity that could work for kids 2nd grade and above. Younger kids are welcome to be in the room to color or sit with their parents but they might not follow all the content. Hope to see you there! Feel free to bring interested friends.

For more information about FORJ, Families Organizing for Racial Justice, visit https://forjnewton.com/

Please RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScd-nEpwu7NpBYYnIrz8iepPRU3E1qJSro9Gwy2H6pgRHeD2A/viewform?usp=sf_link

March 12th, 6:30 – 8:15 pm
Angier Elementary