Valeo F.C. Selected to Join U.S. Soccer Development Academy
Author: Mia
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MCAS vs PARCC
MCAS and PARCC Reporting on Student Performance: “…helpful feedback is goal-referenced; tangible and transparent; actionable; user-friendly (specific and personalized); timely; ongoing; and consistent.” From Seven Keys to Effective Feedback,Grant Wiggins, Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, September 2012, Vol. 70
MCAS PARCC Schools received preliminary scores in July, allowing administrators and curriculum specialists to do an initial analysis before the start of the school year. Schools received preliminary scores in October. No analysis was available at the start of the school year.
Schools were able to compare one year’s performance on MCAS with previous MCAS test performance. Schools can compare PARCC data to MCAS data from previous year, but the tests are significantly different. A complete test that students took was released. Only one test was administered in each subject area. No complete PARCC test was released, although sample items were released from 2 different tests that were administered in March and May 2015. Schools received data scoring each student on each item on the test. This allowed teachers to pinpoint areas in which the student had difficulty and then design instruction to support students. Schools received data that did not have an item analysis, so there was no information of which items students scored correct or incorrect. This made it impossible for teachers to design instruction to improve outcomes for students on a future test. Schools got an overview showing if there were patterns of errors. This allowed teachers to address areas of concern with all students. Schools can see levels of achievement but cannot pinpoint specific areas for improvement. Teachers do not get information on areas that need to be improved. Schools received copies of the actual essays or narratives students had written so teachers could analyze student needs and strengths. Schools did not receive copies of the actual essays or narratives. Teachers are not able to pin-point where students need to improve as writers. Schools received a separate score for each open response, essay/narrative. This allowed teachers to figure out where students had strengths and weaknesses. Schools received a composite writing score for 3 genres of writing: research writing, literary analysis and narrative writing. Teachers cannot identify area of strengths and weaknesses. Schools received data comparing school performance to district and state from students using a single testing instrument: paper based MCAS. Data compares schools that have used different instruments, namely paper tests and computer tests, MCAS and PARCC. 
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Newton Police: You’ve Got the Right to File a Complaint on a Cop
Once a year, Newton Police Department, in compliance with national accreditation standards, reminds citizens of their right to file citizen complaints.
Complaints against police officers may be made verbally or in writing. Confidentiality will be insured.
Complaints in writing may be hand delivered to a superior officer at the Newton Police Department, or mailed to Chief MacDonald at 1321 Washington Street Newton, Ma. 02465.
Citizens are also encouraged to commend police personnel verbally, in writing or in person. Compliments and commendations are copied to the personnel files of individual officers. All members of the Newton community are encouraged to call Newton Police Headquarters at (617) 796-2100.
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OurNewton.org is Looking for a Teen Intern!
OurNewton.org is Looking for a Teen Intern!Do you love social media? Are you looking for a fun challenge for new year! This is an opportunity to learn how to use the power of the internet and social media to make a difference.
Do you love social media? Would you like to become involved in a community website that reaches more than 4,000 readers?
OurNewton.org, a Newton-based website posting news ALL about Newton, is seeking a curious and committed high school intern. In this position you will learn how to
- Post content to OurNewton.org
- Build OurNewton’s readership using social media (including Twitter), Google Analytics, and Facebook Insights
- Measure and interpret the results of these social media activities
- Set specific, measurable goals in order to achieve desired results
In helping us grow our readership and reinforce our positive presence, you will also be helping us strengthen our community.
Schedule
You may create a flexible schedule with a minimum of 5 hours a week. Motivated interns may earn school credit, college recommendations, and real work experience. Past interns have learned concrete skills and greatly benefited from their OurNewton.org experience.
Location
Training will take place during after-school hours at the Keller Williams Realty in Newton Highlands with OurNewton.org board members Janet Porcaro and Lynne LeBlanc. We will hold regular biweekly meetings with you to hear your ideas, review your work, provide feedback, and start you on new projects. We will also be available by phone and email for regular check-ins.
Please send inquiries to news@ourNewton.org.
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Dance your way Fit through the Holidays!
Dance your way through the Holidays!
Happy Exercise for Adults, Teens, and College Students.
Holiday Special: First Class $10!
expires 1/15/2016
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Celebrate First Day at the Arsenal Center for the Arts
The Arsenal Center kicks off 2016 with an all ages day of fun! Come to the Arsenal Center for the Arts from 1-3 pm on Friday, January 1, 2016 and ring in the New Year with music and art at First Day ACA!
Young, old, and everyone in between will enjoy the catchy, pop-infused music of Karen K & the Jitterbugs, whose award-winning songs will have the audience dancing in their seats and asking for more. The whole family will laugh and gasp at the zany acrobatics of The Airborne Comedians, whose act includes 7 foot unicycles! And, as always at the Arsenal Center, we’ll have art projects like lantern making for kids, and more!
This is a free event, sponsored by Watertown Savings Bank, and is open to the public and appropriate for all ages! For more information, visit arsenalarts.org!
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Give Your Child The Gift of Manners This Year!
Etiquette Classes for Youth Return to Newton in 2016
Today, children are confronted with numerous social situations at school, on play dates, and in public, which raises questions about proper manners and the value of self-presentation.
Why should I use good manners when my friends are not? I want to fit in, what if my classmates make fun of me? What are social cues, and how do I read them? What is a leader, and how do I become one? Why should I learn the adult way of eating? Why write thank you notes? How should I act when I am at a friend’s house or in a restaurant? How can I feel more comfortable when speaking in front of an audience?
These skills and knowledge do not always come naturally for children, and they will continue to struggle in social situations well into their adolescence without the proper tools to conquer these issues.
The Etiquette Academy of New England’s 8-week long etiquette program for grades 2 to 12 cover topics such as improving social and communication skills, projecting confidence, combating shyness, strengthening self-esteem and leadership skills, navigating friendships, resolving conflict, understanding social cues, basic manners, table manners, and more.
Programs are specifically developed for each age group, taught in a fun and interactive way, and the final class takes place at a local upscale restaurant where students get to show off their newly perfected skills!
The program has received outstanding reviews from parents, teachers and yes-even students.
Give your child the skill set to succeed as one of tomorrow’s leaders. Trust us – your child will thank you (eventually).
Now enrolling for Winter 2016 at CHUNGDAHM ReadWrite in Newton Upper Falls on Saturdays beginning January 30th!
For more information and to enroll, visit www.theetiquetteacademy.org or call 617.608.3920.
About The Etiquette Academy of New England
The Etiquette Academy of New England is an academic institution dedicated to enhancing social skills, improving communication techniques, and developing leadership qualities necessary to succeed personally and professionally.
Included in ‘The Best of the New for 2012’ by Boston Globe Magazine, they are committed to offering the highest quality programs in the fields of contemporary etiquette, protocol, communication and social skills development. They offer classes and workshops for adults and youth, and partnerships with schools, higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, restaurants, businesses and more.
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Dancing with the Stars: Live!
Following back to back sold out tours, Dancing with the Stars: Live! is taking its all new production on the road. Fans of Dancing with the Stars, ABC’s leading entertainment show, produced by BBC Worldwide Productions, will be given the opportunity to see their favorite stars dance live in Boston. The Dance All Night Tour is bringing a one-of-a-kind touring production to the Citi Performing Arts Center Shubert Theatre.
Launching this winter, Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Dance All Night Tour features a bigger cast than ever before including pro dancers Lindsay Arnold, Sharna Burgess, Artem Chigvintsev, Valentin Chmerkovskiy, Keo Motsepe, Peta Murgatroyd, Emma Slater, Alan Bersten, Brittany Cherry and Jenna Johnson with more casting to be announced*. In this all new production, the dancers are freed from the ballroom to bring you a 90-minute action-packed live show. Audiences will watch exciting and romantic performances, from choreography never before seen on Dancing with the Stars, to some of the most memorable numbers from show.
Tickets for Dancing with the Stars: Live! – Dance All Night Tour are for sale. For up to date information and to purchase tickets, go to citicenter.org, call (866) 348-9738, or visit the Citi Center Box Office. VIP packages will be available through VIPNation.com, giving fans the chance to purchase premium tickets, meet and greet opportunities with the cast, exclusive merchandise and photo opportunities.
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Update on NNHS Principal Search
The following information has been provided by the superintendent’s office:- A Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) is being formed. Taking into account Newton North’s needs, the committee will craft interview questions, choose candidates for interviews, and recommend finalists to Superintendent Fleishman, who will ultimately appoint the new principal. The time commitment for the SAC will be as follows, with another possible meeting between January 13 and January 27:
- January 6, 3:00-4:30 p.m.
- January 12, 8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
- January 13, 12 noon-4:00 p.m.
- Semi-finalists will visit Newton South High School to observe classes.
- Finalists will visit Newton North High School between February 8 and 10. The visits will include meetings with teachers, a small-group meeting with four to six parents, and a large-group meeting open to all parents/guardians.
The Newton North PTSO Board will select two Newton North parents/guardians for the SAC and several participants for the small-group meetings. The decision will be based on several factors, including a well-balanced representation across different constituencies at Newton North.Read more at http://www.northptso.org/node/1658. - A Selection Advisory Committee (SAC) is being formed. Taking into account Newton North’s needs, the committee will craft interview questions, choose candidates for interviews, and recommend finalists to Superintendent Fleishman, who will ultimately appoint the new principal. The time commitment for the SAC will be as follows, with another possible meeting between January 13 and January 27:
