The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) today announced the launch of its TakeAction campaign that targets middle and high school students living in areas with wildfire risks. The campaign highlights important information about wildfire risks to life and property. Through TakeAction, students can use educational resources to implement local grassroots community service projects that increase resident safety and improve a home’s likelihood of surviving a wildfire.
In addition to the educational resources available through the TakeAction campaign, U.S. residents ages 13 – 22 who complete a wildfire risk reduction or post-fire project and submit an application are eligible to receive one of twenty $500 Community Service Funding Awards. Sponsored by State Farm, the funding awards are part of NFPA’s 2015 Year of Living Less Dangerously from Wildfire outreach effort. Winning applicants can use the award toward future educational costs, or it can be donated to the charitable organization of their choice. The deadline to submit applications is November 15, 2015.
WHITEBOARD VIDEO: This whiteboard animation video provides important information that increases middle and high school age students’ knowledge about wildfire and introduces them to the TakeAction campaign.
Find additional resources and learn more about the TakeAction campaign and the State Farm-sponsored Community Service Funding Awards at www.nfpa.org/takeaction.
Sunday, October 4, 2015 at the Y
from 8:45 am – 12:00 pm
When you participate in the Angino Fall 5K and Fun Day, you help us strengthen the community AND bring us closer to reaching our 2015 Annual Fund goal.
We think of our donors as every day heroes because they help us empower families in need of support to lead healthier lives, achieve their full potential, and strengthen their ties to the community. That’s why we encourage you to come dressed to impress in your favorite super hero costume!
Register here.
Registration Fees
Registration is available online, or if you prefer, download our registration form and return it to Rosie Carey in the Development Office!
$25 pre-registration fee for 5K runners and walkers valid until October 1, 2015
$30 registration fee – day of event
$10 registration fee for Kids’ Races
Race Tshirts guaranteed for all participants registered prior to September 18, 2015
A move is more than just packing and moving boxes. It is about transition and preparation. Hear industry experts share insights needed to make great decisions about your next move!
* Financial and estate planning – essentials for the next chapter
* Organization and DE cluttering – a plan of attack to preserve the memories (and what to do with the rest)
* Preparing the home for the market – tips for making your home a buyer’s dream
* Strategies to maximize your profits – It’s easy but it’s not simple
OUR PANEL
Ruth Barnett, Cambridge Savings Bank
Janet Porcaro & Wendy Rocca, Realtors®, Keller Williams Realty
Do we think that because a child is playing competitive soccer at 8 and 9, it will equate into success at 17 and 18? In fact, the opposite is more likely to occur, as we are finding that there are a lot more kids dropping out of soccer because the pressure to succeed has been placed on them at too young an age and they are no longer in the sport by the time they graduate from high school.
Do Europeans have it right when it comes to developing youth soccer players? TOO MUCH, TOO SOON! By Gordon Miller, VYSA (Virginia Youth Soccer Association) Technical Director is a great article about travel soccer and the best way to develop young soccer players:
If starting travel soccer this young were the right way to go then the rest of the world would be copying our model, but it doesn’t. In fact other countries are in the exact opposite direction with their soccer philosophies and programs. For example, the French, Germans, Dutch and Spanish believe that it is important to keep young players (under the age of 12) playing within their own communities, with their friends, and, with educated coaches.
My three kids have played club soccer and this is my take on the best club soccer teams in Newton.
What makes a great soccer club for kids? In my opinion:
Curriculum that is consistent across all coaches and age groups.
Opportunities to train with top players within age group.
Coaches who focus on player development not win/loss record.
How are the girls clubs in Massachusetts ranked? Check it out here.
125 Wells Avenue
Newton MA, 02459
Phone: 617-964-0140
Located off Wells Avenue at the Solomon Schecter School, Valeo FC has strong boys program and has recently added a girls program too. My son has been playing at Valeo since he was eight. What I like about Valeo is that the entire age group trains together doing the same technical drills, then breaking into small groups for more drills. Finally, the group organizes by what team they are on to scrimmage each other. Their philosophy to have a player pool per age group so there is fluidity moving up and down between teams as well. Valeo starts at U9 and does not cut players until U13 when games are 11 v 11. (Update: due to rapid growth, Valeo now is limiting years to 50 players. Current players were offered contracts in early May. Those who did not receive a contract were given a plan of what they needed to do to remain on the team. Any spots leftover will go to outside kids during tryouts. Kids with contracts do not go to tryouts). Valeo is FREE for boys U15-U18. U11 Boys received U.S. Development Academy Status which means the first and second teams are considered the academy teams. The U11 boys all practice together. Development team members attend 3 practices but the third practice is open to anyone else who wants to move up. Finally, Valeo has sent 7 boys to U.S. Soccer National Team camp.
Global Premier Soccer (GPS)
85 Central St #204
Waltham, MA 02453
Practice fields at Fessenden School
250 Waltham St, Newton, MA 02465
My U14 daughter just joined GPS after a bad experience at FC Boston Breakers Academy (aka Boston Breakers Academy & Scorpions FC). What I like about GPS is how professionally organized they are. Their communication to the team and parents is the best I’ve encountered in Club Soccer. The practice location at The Fessenden School is extremely convenient. Their coaching staff seems great and there is consistency across all ages in terms of training.
This is a very difficult girls’ club to make but it is well known for producing very technical and highly skilled soccer players. Alison Foley, Women’s Soccer Head Coach at Boston College, is the new Senior Director of Coaching. Foley will provide direction for the older age groups in all aspects of their college preparation, ultimately making Select a premier model of top training and development for all age groups. For those age groups that she oversees, one practice a week is held at Boston College.
Newton Girls Soccer Academy is perfect for kids who want a little more than travel soccer but not an intensely competive environment. This club team practices once a week and the practice is scheduled so as not to conflict with Newton Town Travel soccer. The fields are conveniently located in Newton too! Because of just one practice a week, this is also a well priced club option!
Nor’Easter Soccer Club
Coach Mike Almeida, my daughter’s private soccer coach, recently started the Metrowest branch for Nor’Easter Soccer Club, the club he grew up playing for. He has both boys and girls teams that practice near Newton and what is great about Coach Mike is that he makes every player better. Nor’Easter has practice fields in Chestnut Hill at Pine Manor College and in Waltham.
FC Boston
Practice fields at Harvard’s Allston location, Dedham and Acton.
For boys who want to play college soccer, FC Bolts is only one of three soccer academy programs (and the other two are VC Valeo in Newton and Foxborough).
This club merged with Scorpions Soccer Club and then divorced, so suffice it to say that the merger was unsuccessful.
It should be noted that the policy for players leaving FC Boston is quite punitive. Families are required to pay the entire year’s club fee, even if they quit before the year even begins. In addition, FC Boston will not give the player release from FC Boston requiring parents to take legal action. This is not only costly but can take several months, in which your child will miss an entire season of games.
All other clubs will refund, pro rata, the remaining time left in the year and will process give the player release from their club in a prompt manner. Are you really sure you want to play for a club like this?
James Bede Soccer Club
Practice fields at West Suburban YMCA in Newton
My kids have never played on James Bede but I know moms who are happy here. Their practice fields are conveniently located at the YMCA in Newton.
Highlands Field (32 Winchester St, Newton Highlands, MA 02461)
My son did Junior Academy with Brian Kelly as a preschooler. Brian Kelly is like the Piped Piper for young kids and sports. He makes learning soccer fun and does a great job teaching them technical skills. For kids ages 3.5 through 8 who might want to try club soccer, this is a great option!
p.s. Other Guides to Newton:
Best Preschools in Newton
A Fairly Comprehensive List of Birthday Party Locations and Ideas for Kids in Newton and Boston
Best Martial Arts Schools for Kids and Adult in Newton
A Fairly Comprehensive List of After School Supplemental Math Classes in Newton
A Fairly Comprehensive List of Dance Studios in Newton
Best Gymnastics for Toddlers and Kids in Newton Area
On October 2, 2015 NewTV will be holding its first annual Teamwork Trivia Challenge event at the Post 440 in Newton. The event will consist of two hours of trivia, beginning at 7:30pm followed by an after party with a raffle, DJ and dancing until 11:30pm. Guests can arrive starting at 6:30pm to enjoy appetizers and desserts from local restaurants, including Baker’s Best and 3 Squares Needham.
Funds raised from this event will support NewTV’s scholarship and internship programs. Former NewTV interns have gone on to successful careers in their chosen field.
For more information about the event and to register online, visit newtv.org and click on the link for Teamwork Trivia Challenge or go directly here.
About NewTV
NewTV is Newton’s Emmy® award-winning, state-of-the-art HD media center, specializing in television production and training. Locally, NewTV’s three cable channels (Community, Education and Government) broadcast relevant programming to the diverse Newton community and provide a platform for members to express their vision.
Pops Concert & Picnic: Saturday September 19, 2015 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm: The Street’s Pops Concert & Picnic is the ultimate end-of-summer celebration. Fifty members of the New Philharmonia Orchestra will perform a diverse repertoire of classical and light classical music while select restaurants at The Street, including The Cottage, Davio’s, and Comella’s, will offer grab-and-go picnic lunches, allowing guests to dine al fresco as they enjoy the concert. Before summer clothes are stowed away for the year, guests are encouraged to don their summer whites. As detailed below, select stores, including Splendid, Treat Cupcake Bar, and the soon-to-arrive MiniLuxe, will offer special perks throughout the day. In the event of rain, the Pops Concert & Picnic will take place on Sunday, September 20, 2015 from 11:30am to 2:30pm.
Box Lunch Picnic Specials during the Pops Concert & Picnic include:
The Cottage: Two tacos, with the choice of Chicken or Mahi Mahi, topped with guacamole, pico de gallo, napa cabbage and homemade baja sauce; served with a side of black beans + papaya avocado salsa. ($12)
Davio’s: Chicken salad with seasonal apples, served on homemade cranberry bread (no pecans) with homemade potato chips, chocolate chip cookies and water. ($16)
Comella’s: Large cheese pizza with a garden salad. ($10)
Additional offerings from Legal Sea Foods, Bernard’s and Treat Cupcake Bar will be available
Special Perks & In-store Events during the Pops Concert & Picnicinclude:
Splendid will offer 20% off full-priced items and refreshments
Calypso St. Barth will offer lite bites & refreshments, plus a Gift Card Event with the opportunity to save on purchases
MiniLuxe Pop-up will give complimentary color changes from 11:30am-2:30pm in The Mews as it prepares for its Fall 2015 opening at The Street
Treat Cupcake Bar will give mini cupcake decorating lessons, with an eye for picnic themed creations
In addition to the Pops Concert & Picnic, Summertime at The Street will offer 22 free events throughout September, ranging from 14 different fitness classes to kid-friendly fun activities and live music.
The complete calendar is available online at www.TheStreetChestnutHill.com
The Arsenal Center for the Arts to host an outdoor celebration of visual arts, live music and craft breweries on Friday, September 18th.
Arts & Drafts will be held at the Arsenal Center for the Arts, on the grounds of the Arsenal on the Charles, 321 Arsenal Street in Watertown, MA and runs from 5 to 9pm.
The event features beverages from Downeast Cider House and Aeronaut Brewing Companyand live music from Boston Music community favorites Nemes, Gold Blood & Associates andDirty Bangs. Admission includes a beverage token and commemorative t-shirt that participants can tie-dye on-site.
“We’re excited to have one last celebration of summer here at the Arsenal Center,” says ACA Program Director Beverly Snow. “Arts & Drafts should be an excellent evening for Watertown, filled with great bands, great beverages and an arts project for everyone.”
Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased for $30 at ArsenalArts.org Arts & Drafts is a 21+ event and proper ID is required to enter the festival grounds. Additional beverages available for purchase at the event.
I hope you have enjoyed the beautiful summer. It is a great pleasure to welcome both our returning families and those new to our schools.
The start of the school year is a wonderful time for anyone involved in education because it allows us to develop new goals, build new relationships and embark upon new challenges. Our Systemwide Goals this year highlight both academic and social and emotional learning. While improving student achievement remains the most important part of our mission, we know it is also essential to focus on the social and emotional needs of our students. I look forward to updating you on some of our key initiatives over the course of the school year.
Newton administrators and teachers spend a great deal of time during the summer preparing for the upcoming year. Summer is also a time for our faculty members to focus on their own learning – something they do not have as much time for during the school year, when the emphasis is on teaching our students. This summer, our faculty and staff engaged in a broad range of professional work, including developing new curriculum, continuing work on existing initiatives, such as improving student writing, and participating in a range of professional learning focused on addressing the social and emotional needs of our students.
Those of you who have recently traveled on Beacon Street in Waban probably have noticed that the new Angier School is close to completion and will be ready for students in January. We are very pleased that the project is on time and on budget. When Angier leaves their temporary space at the Carr School at the end of December, Zervas staff and students will immediately leave their building to relocate to Carr. Like Angier, Zervas is expected to be completed in a year and half, with Cabot next in line. In the fall, we will update our long-range facilities plan as we continue the exciting work of rebuilding and renovating our school buildings.
One of the most important parts of my job is to be in our schools on a regular basis connecting with teachers and students. I also look forward to engaging with parents in the coming year in a number of ways. School Committee members will again join me for parent discussions in each of our 22 buildings. We look forward to sharing our opportunities and challenges and addressing your questions and concerns. Following a successful pilot last year, I also will hold at least two superintendent/parent book discussions over the course of the year on key educational topics.
As we begin again, please accept my best wishes for a wonderful school year.
Come learn about GNU/Linux, a free platform and operating system! It runs and helps control everything from phones to the stock exchange and a panoply of devices and equipment in-between! The lecture will present an overview of “What is GNU/Linux?” as well as discuss privacy issues, data security concerns, and ways to protect personal and other sensitive information. Come learn about the best operating system that you’re probably already using! Registration is required.
Note: If enough interest is demonstrated at the introductory lectures, a free, in depth class will be offered at the Newton Free Library starting in October on GNU/Linux. Separate registration may be required for any future library course offerings.
