I Love Newton

Author: Mia

  • The Cut Class at Equinox

    The Cut Class at Equinox

    Equinox, the high performance lifestyle leader, introduces The Cut, a total body, boxing and kickboxing group fitness class to the Boston region this January 2016. The 45-minute cardio-forward workout is a fitness journey, designed to introduce newcomers to boxing and martial arts while guaranteeing the ultimate workout for all fitness levels. Incinerating calories while building full body strength, speed and coordination, this class is designed to get members into knockout shape.

    The Cut Class at Equinox

    Stripping down to the basics with no bags, no wraps and no ring, The Cut utilizes every plane of motion using only the body and light hand weights. Created by Miami based Equinox group fitness instructor and Equinox’s boxing expert, Christa DiPaulo, the class is broken down into five rounds simulating different aspects of a real boxing match.

    To start off the session participants will learn how to mentally and physically prepare before a fight before moving into basic punching and kicking techniques. In the third “Mastery” round they’ll break down super charged fight combinations, mastering their footwork and reaction time before moving into high intensity “Knockout” round designed to challenge the cardiovascular system and mind to help finish the fight. The “Final Bell” concludes the class with mobility exercises to help improve movement, increase flexibility and recover the body and mind.

    Set to an epic playlist of deep house, trap and remixed top 40s, The Cut unleashes powerful, primal instincts while keeping the discipline of form, focus and technique. Between the non-stop cardio, hard hitting conditioning and the ultimate exercise high, each class member will leave Equinox ready to fight another day.


    The Cut will be offered at all four Boston club locations beginning January 2016. For more information or to browse class schedules visit www.equinox.com.

  • Meet Po from Kung Fu Panda 3

    Meet Po from Kung Fu Panda 3

    FAMILY FUN DAY AT SHOWCASE CINEMA DE LUX REVERE FEATURING PO FROMKUNG FU PANDA 3!

    Meet Po from Kung Fu Panda 3

    WHAT:           On Saturday, January 16th, bring the whole family to Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere for a day of family fun with Po the panda! In anticipation of the January 29th release of Kung Fu Panda 3, the day will be filled with movie giveaways and fun activities including face painting, balloon twisting, airbrush tattoos, and a meet-and-greet with Po. Be sure to bring a camera to take photos!

     

    WHEN:           Saturday, January 16

    11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

    ADMISSION:  FREE

     

    WHERE:         Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere

    565 Squire Rd

    Revere, MA

     

    FOR MOVIE TICKETS
    AND SHOWTIMES:         Visit http://www.showcasecinemas.com/

  • Suicide Prevention training with Mayor Setti Warren

    Suicide Prevention training with Mayor Setti Warren

    Dear Resident,
     
    I am writing today to invite you to join me for a very important event next week. OnWednesday, January 13th I will be participating in a Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention training, and I hope you can be there too.
    This evidence-based, simple technique offers everyone strategies to respond to someone experiencing distress and information about how to get the expert help required. Just like CPR training, this program can help you save a life.
    The evening will begin at 5:00pm with a casual reception at Del Frisco’s Grille, located at “The Street” at 33 Boylston Street.
    The training will follow from 6:00–8:00pmat a nearby conference room that is also part of “The Street.”
    Register today by clicking here. If you have any questions, please contact our Health and Human Services Department at 617-796-1420.
    Thank you, and I hope to see you on the 13th.
    Sincerely,
    E-Signature
    Setti D. Warren
    Mayor
    City of Newton, MA
  • 60 Posse Scholars from Boston Area

    60 Posse Scholars from Boston Area

    60 urban public school students from Boston were chosen as Posse Scholars to enroll at elite colleges and universities around the country, The Posse Foundation announced today. The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits and trains students from urban communities with extraordinary academic and leadership skills and places them in top institutions of higher education, where they attend tuition-free. These students were recruited and trained to become the leaders Americans need in every field and better represent the voices of all Americans.

    The Posse Foundation

    A regional awards ceremony will honor the newest recipients of the Posse Scholarship. This year, the 60 students from Boston will be awarded $11.2 million in four-year, full-tuition leadership scholarships from:

     

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bucknell University

    Centre College

    Denison University

    Hamilton College

    Union College

     

    Of the 17,000 students from cities across the country nominated for the Posse Scholarship this year, 720 from Boston area were selected for this prestigious award.

    Posse started because of one student who said, “I never would have dropped out of college if I had my posse with me.” The Posse Foundation identifies, recruits and trains exceptional young leaders from urban high schools and sends them in multicultural teams – Posses – of 10 students to top colleges and universities across the country. To date, 6,995 Posse scholars have been awarded more than $930 million in four-year full-tuition merit scholarships from Posse’s college and university partners.

    The Posse Foundation is a national initiative with program chapters in Atlanta, the Bay Area, Boston, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York City and Washington, D.C.

  • Flash Art Returns at The Arsenal Center for the Arts

    Flash Art Returns at The Arsenal Center for the Arts

    Flash Art, the Arsenal Center for the Arts’ biannual art lottery fundraiser is returning for its third year! We will be kicking off the New Year with this exhibition in January 2016. The show will run from January 7 – February 26, 2016, with an opening reception and ticket sales event on January 14.

    Flash Art Returns at The Arsenal Center for the Arts

    All are welcome to come see the Flash Art exhibition of 100 works from 100 different artists. For those who wish to purchase the art, tickets are $100 each and only 100 tickets are available! If you like what you see, your ticket purchase guarantees you a piece of artwork in a broad range of style, content, and media. Stop by, have a glass of wine and check out the collection!

    Those that purchase tickets will fill out a preference sheet and the artwork will be matched with a patron by lottery drawing based on the preference selection sheet order. The Closing Reception, where the lottery drawing will take place, will be from 5:30-7:30 pm on February 23. Those that wish to purchase tickets but cannot make it to the reception may do so by February 20, 2016 online at arsenalarts.org or in The Shop at The Arsenal Center for the Arts.

    This event supports the Arsenal Center for the Arts and its mission to present dynamic theatre, creative art classes, visual art exhibitions, and diverse musical performances as well as subsidize programming for local seniors and under-served youth. Tickets for the event, more info on the show, and images of the works can be found at here.

  • FREE Family Day at Mass College of Art and Design Exhibition

    FREE Family Day at Mass College of Art and Design Exhibition

    The Bakalar & Paine Galleries at 
    Massachusetts College of Art and Design Present Spring 2016 Exhibition:

    SELECTIONS

    January 26 – March 5, 2016 – Free and Open to the Public
     
    Free Family Day Event Saturday, February 27th!
    Inline image 1 FREE Family Day at Mass College of Art and Design Exhibition

    WHAT:

    Selections features the remarkable work of MassArt professors who are newly hired or returning from sabbatical. A venue for faculty to showcase their work, often in experimental directions or media, this exhibition is a perennial favorite. Representing all facets of the college, Selections highlights the work of MassArt’s multi-talented faculty. Exploring aesthetic, sociopolitical, cultural, and design issues, faculty members have developed a diverse range of works: from an affordable water pump for subsistence farmers and important statements on social injustice to sumptuous explorations of nature, enamel self-parodies, and collaborations with young rappers who perform interventionist critiques of art museums. Works on view include site-specific installation, photography, video, sculpture, painting, and works on paper.

    Featured Artists:  Suzanne Barnes, Ericka Beckman, Rick Brown & Laura Brown ’93, James Cambronne, Robert Coppola, Nancy Cusack, Lars Fischer, Matthew Hinçman ’93, Kofi Kayiga, Steve Locke ’01, James McLeod, Laura McPhee, Juan Obando, Juan Ormaza, Lyssa Palu-ay ’01, James M. Read, Irina Rozovsky ’07, Amber Davis Tourlentes ’88, Wojciech Wolynski, Joe Wood

     

    WHO:

    The largest free, contemporary art space in New England, the Sandra and David Bakalar Gallery and the Stephen D. Paine Gallery at MassArt host four curated exhibitions annually and also offer lectures and events that support its mission of education, accessibility, and being contemporary. Free and open to the public, the galleries are a venue for national and international art and serve as a vital cultural resource for the college, Boston, and beyond. Twice a year, visitors of all ages are invited to a special Family Day for interactive activities and art-making designed and guided by MassArt students, and the Bakalar & Paine Galleries’ staff illuminate the featured exhibitions. Located on MassArt’s campus at 621 Huntington Avenue, Boston, on the Avenue of the Arts.

     

    WHERE: 

    Bakalar & Paine Galleries at MassArt

    621 Huntington Avenue, South Building

    Boston, MA

    *accessible on the green line E train at the Longwood/Medical Area stop or by the 39 bus. 

     

    WHEN:

    On View:  January 26 – March 5, 2016

    Opening Reception: Tuesday, January 26, 6:30-­8:00 PM

    Special Event:  Family Day, Saturday, February 27, 2016, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM — Guests of all ages may drop in for a free, fun-filled day of interactive activities and art-making designed and guided by MassArt students and gallery staff to illuminate the featured exhibition. Materials and inspiration provided. Activities are best suited for ages 6 and up. Refreshments served.
    ENTRY:

    Free and open to the public.

    Gallery Hours:  Monday-Saturday 12 PM to 6 PM and Wednesday 12 PM to 8 PM (closed on Sundays).
    INFO:

    See www.massart.edu/galleries, email galleryinfo@massart.edu, or call 617-879-7337.

  • Knitwear Pop Up Store offers free knitting classes

    Knitwear Pop Up Store offers free knitting classes

    The Street announces the next brand to debut at The Pop-Up, its new concept devoted to celebrating innovative and locally grown brands. Perfectly timed to the winter season and the desire to bundle up in the coziest of styles, The Third Piece, a luxury knitwear line owned by two trendsetting Boston women, will take over The Pop-Up from Thursday January 7, 2016 through Wednesday January 13, 2016. The Pop-Up at The Street is located at 7 Boylston Street Chestnut Hill, MA. www.the3rdpiece.com;www.thestreetchestnuthill.com

    The Third Piece’s full retail collection, offered in 12 beautiful colors, will be available at The Pop-Up. Women’s accessories and outerwear options range from hand-knit sweaters to infinity scarves to snoods to mitts.  The brand’s signature piece, The Newbury, a hand-knit hooded cowl, and newly debuted, chunky, custom-made sweaters are bound to be hits. A just launched line of children’s outerwear, The Mini Me collection, will also be available at The Pop-Up. All prices range from $30-$398.

    THE THIRD PIECE

    In addition to its retail collection, The Third Piece Pop-Up will introduce a Knit Bar and a variety of daily workshops. At The Knit Bar, knitters will receive on the spot guidance from expert piece-makers about any range of knitting dilemmas, while the workshops will varyfrom Knitting 101 to How to Make Your Own Designer Knitwear. Workshops come with yarn, needles, and a tote gift bag. Prices range from $48-75.

    Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday: 12-1pm
    Thursday & Tuesday: 3:30-5pm
    Thursday, Friday, Monday and Tuesday: 6:30-8pm
    Saturday: 12-1, 3-4pm and 6-7pm
    Sunday: 12-1pm and 3-4pm
  • Newton Teen Suicides Noted in New York Times article

    Newton Teen Suicides Noted in New York Times article

    New Jersey School District Eases Pressure on Students, Baring an Ethnic Divide

    A packed Board of Education meeting this month at Grover Middle School in West Windsor, N.J., where a districtwide debate that often splits along racial lines is underway about the pressure put on students there to succeed.

    The issue of the stresses felt by students in elite school districts has gained attention in recent years as schools in places like Newton, Mass., and Palo Alto have reported clusters of suicides. West Windsor-Plainsboro has not had a teenage suicide in recent years, but Dr. Aderhold, who has worked in the district for seven years and been superintendent for the last two and a half, said he had seen troubling signs.

    The full  New York Times article is here.

    Newton Suicides Noted in New York Times article

     

  • Valeo F.C. Selected as Academy Team

    Valeo F.C. Selected as Academy Team

    Valeo F.C. Selected to Join U.S. Soccer Development AcademyValeo F.C. Selected to Join U.S. Soccer Development Academy

  • MCAS vs PARCC

    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.

     

     

    MCAS vs PARCC