Category: Newton News

News happening in Newton Massachusetts.

MCAS Results for Newton Public Schools

MCAS Scores Tell a Story of Diversity and Success in Newton

What do the MCAS scores reveal about Newton? One of the big draws for us to move to Newton is the ethnic and socio-economic diversity which is rare in metro west suburbs of Boston.

While the numbers don’t lie, there is back story. Given that Newton has a large degree of kids who speak English as a second language, it’s understandable that their scores would be lower in elementary school as they master two languages. Newton public schools scores handily outperform Massachusetts by 20 percentage points (give or take a few) across all grades and subjects.

What is really interesting (and great!) is that by 10th grade, 96% of students are proficient or higher in English, 94% in Math, and 87% in Science/Engineering. My daughter’s English/Social Studies teacher at Day Middle School raised her three kids in Newton, and, due to redistricting, had two kids in Newton South High School and one graduating from Newton North. She said, “Kids get a great education in Newton no matter where they go.” The numbers concur!

Data is from Department of Education.

Grade and Subject	Proficient or Higher		Advanced		Proficient		Needs Improvement		Warning/ Failing		Students Included	CPI	SGP	Included in SGP
Grade and Subject	DISTRICT	STATE	DISTRICT	STATE	DISTRICT	STATE	DISTRICT	STATE	DISTRICT	STATE	Students Included	CPI	SGP	Included in SGP
GRADE 03 – READING	80	61	29	15	51	46	17	30	3	9	921	93.0	N/A	N/A
GRADE 03 – MATHEMATICS	78	61	47	27	31	34	17	25	6	14	921	90.5	N/A	N/A
GRADE 04 – ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS	75	57	28	13	47	44	19	30	6	14	1,029	90.3	63.0	934
GRADE 04 – MATHEMATICS	74	51	35	16	39	35	20	36	6	12	1,031	90.2	61.0	940
GRADE 05 – ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS	84	61	39	17	45	44	13	28	4	11	928	93.8	65.0	866
GRADE 05 – MATHEMATICS	82	57	55	25	27	32	11	26	7	17	934	91.9	64.0	875
GRADE 05 – SCIENCE AND TECH/ENG	71	52	37	22	34	30	23	34	6	14	933	88.5	N/A	N/A
GRADE 06 – ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS	86	66	42	18	44	48	9	22	4	11	929	94.3	58.0	867
GRADE 06 – MATHEMATICS	83	60	54	27	29	33	11	24	6	16	933	92.6	52.0	874
GRADE 07 – ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS	89	71	32	15	57	56	9	21	2	7	877	95.5	57.0	813
GRADE 07 – MATHEMATICS	79	51	48	20	31	31	14	30	7	18	877	90.2	62.0	815
GRADE 08 – ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS	93	81	36	18	57	63	5	14	2	6	870	97.3	60.0	823
GRADE 08 – MATHEMATICS	80	52	52	22	28	30	13	28	7	19	875	90.3	64.0	831
GRADE 08 – SCIENCE AND TECH/ENG	63	43	11	5	52	38	28	38	9	20	869	83.6	N/A	N/A
GRADE 10 – ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS	96	88	61	37	35	51	3	9	1	3	908	98.9	59.0	791
GRADE 10 – MATHEMATICS	94	78	77	50	17	28	4	15	2	7	904	97.3	61.0	788
GRADE 10 – SCIENCE AND TECH/ENG	87	69	54	24	33	45	10	25	3	6	861	94.5	N/A	N/A
ALL GRADES – ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS	86	69	38	19	48	50	11	22	3	9	6,462	94.6	60.0	5,094
ALL GRADES – MATHEMATICS	81	59	52	27	29	32	13	26	6	15	6,475	91.8	61.0	5,123
ALL GRADES – SCIENCE AND TECH/ENG	74	54	34	17	40	37	20	32	6	13	2,663	88.8	N/A	N/A

Compared to most of Boston’s Metro West suburbs, Newton has a diverse population with significant Asian, African American and Hispanic populations. The elementary schools with Level 2 Assistance and Accountability is due to a large proportion of English as a second language students. Newton provides the support they need as evidenced by high overall scores in 10th grade.

Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity (2011-12)
Race	% of District	% of State
African American	5.4	8.3
Asian	15.6	5.7
Hispanic	7.0	16.1
Native American	0.1	0.2
White	66.6	67.0
Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander	0.0	0.1
Multi-Race, Non-Hispanic	5.3	2.5

School Accountability Information About the Data
School	School Type	Title I Status	Accountability and Assistance Level
A E Angier	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 2
Bowen	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 2
C C Burr	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 1
Cabot	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 1
Countryside	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 1
Franklin	Elementary School	Title I School (TA)	Level 2
Lincoln-Eliot	Elementary School	Title I School (TA)	Level 2
Horace Mann	Elementary School	Title I School (TA)	Level 1
Mason-Rice	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 1
Peirce	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 1
Memorial Spaulding	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 2
Underwood	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 1
John Ward	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 1
Williams	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 2
Zervas	Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 2
Bigelow Middle	Middle School	Title I School (TA)	Level 1
Charles E Brown Middle	Middle School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 1
F A Day Middle	Middle School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 2
Oak Hill Middle	Middle School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 2
Newton North High	High School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 1
Newton South High	High School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Level 1
Newton Early Childhood Center	Early Elementary School	Non-Title I School (NT)	Insufficient data

October 1, 2012

Newton Ranks 4th Best Place to Live by Money Magazine!

Newton 4th Best Place to Live in U.S.A.

From Money Magazine:

Like selecting a soulmate, finding a great place to live can’t be done just by the numbers. This year, MONEY set out to find America’s best places to live that constitute as a small city (pop. 50,000 to 300,000).

Using data from Onboard Informatics and other sources, they identified locations with economic strength, quality health care, low crime, great schools, and lots to do.

Then reporters visited top-scoring places to assess what the numbers can’t tell you — whether a town is a true community.

(Demographic information provided by Onboard Informatics)

4. Newton, MA

Top 100 rank: 4
Population: 84,700

You might think folks in Newton are obsessed with education. The city is divided into 13 villages built around elementary schools, making it easy for kids to walk to school amid the city’s lush greenery.

Being close to prestigious universities adds even more benefits — MIT partnered with the innovation lab at a local high school on a project to convert algae into fuel, for example, and Boston College will donate $300,000 for technology for Newton schools over three years.

There’s also a wealth of activities, from swimming at Crystal Lake to browsing boutiques in Newton Centre to celebrations like Taste of Newton. Though housing prices are high, families say the perks are well worth it.

September 12, 2012
Sleep Specialist and Blogger, Dr. Craig Canapari
How Much Sleep Do Teens Need?

The final doctor to present at the MassGeneral Hospital for Children blogger event was sleep heir-t0-Dr. Ferber, Dr. Craig Canapari. He’s also a blogger and is active on Twitter. In fact, I was tweeting with him late one night, thinking the irony — shouldn’t we both be sleeping?!

Not only is he a fun guy and dad, but he had some concrete advice for kids who sleep poorly:
- For “Restless Leg Syndrome” when kids say their legs need to move, try getting them tested for iron. Often times, more iron is the fix.
- How much sleep do teens need? Teenagers need 9 hours of sleep but here’s the kicker: their school starts the earliest AND their circadian rhythm starts to shift later and later at the onset of puberty. Teens not waking up until noon? It’s their body clock! Seriously! This fix is to slowly reset their body clock earlier by going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night until the desired time is set. The challenge is to maintain this sleep schedule even during weekends and vacations.
- Bad Sleep versus No Sleep. Kind of the same thing. Poor sleep or no sleep affects the same part of the brain as ADHD.
- Natural Sleep Remedy. One sleep remedy is the over the counter supplement Melatonin. Dr. Canapari confirmed that you can’t overdose on it. It’s a very safe supplement. Take 2-3 hours before desired bedtime as a sleep aid.
You gotta love a doctor who is plugged in on Social Media. Check out his blog here. He’s active on Facebook and Twitter too.

Here are some of his tweets:

The Science Behind Why Power Naps Help You Stay Productive and Creative http://buff.ly/OLDLpS only issue is that naps can delay sleep onset

Food Allergy Buzz: Will He Grow Out Of Asthma http://wp.me/p2eNvP-93

And what is he like? He’s extremely personable and should have his own TV show! Oprah, take note!
August 22, 2012
Food Allergy Research Program at MassGeneral Hospital for Children
Dr. Wayne Shreffler is the Director of the Food Allergy Center at MassGeneral Hospital for Children. I was at a blogger event at MassGeneral and met several very impressive and dedicated doctors. Dr. Shreffler expertise in allergies brought up all kinds of questions from parent bloggers:

Why Have Food Allergies Become Such a Problem?

There are many theories but no answers. According to Dr. Shreffler:
- Genetics play a role
- Hygiene Hypothesis
- Western diet
- Vitamin D
- Geography/Cultural
- Exposure Route
What does this mean for parents?
- Our Western diet has introduced intense processing that mirror the rise in food allergies.
- Vitamin D might have protective effects.
- Early introduction to possible allergens is now considered a good idea. This is new for me when advice from 10 years ago urged us to delay introduction to foods like eggs and peanut butter. Good thing I ignored it!
- Early eczema an indicator for allergies? It’s worth testing kids younger if they have eczema as babies.
He is also doing research in Oral Immunology Therapy which gives very small doses of allergic foods to kids to see if they build up resistance. This is the same theory in The Princess Bride where Wesley beat that really smart funny short bad guy in the poison-in-a-cup switcharoo. Turns out Wesley had been drinking small doses of poison for years to build up immunity.

The downside is that children with life threatening allergies can not participate in this study as it is too dangerous. The research is still not conclusive yet but this is a step in the right direction!

I thought this guy was rockstar smart and if my kids had food allergies, I would fight my way into his practice.
August 20, 2012
New Weight Center for Children (ENERGY) Starting at Mass General Hospital for Children
Weight Management Program for Kids

I went to a really great event at Mass General Hospital for Children and heard Dr. Christina Scirica, Director of Parenting for Health, Inspired for Health, and ENERGY (Exercise, Nutrition and Relaxation for Growing Youth). Yep, you guessed it from her complex title. She’s an expert on childhood health and weight with a background in Pediatric Pulmonary and Childhood Obesity. Surprisingly, these two areas are linked!

As a mother of kids herself, Dr. Scirica experienced weight issues with her own daughter who’s BMI was in the 96% when she was four years old. Taking matters into her own hands, she found healthy solutions to bring her daughter’s weight chart on a downward decline. As a mom, she worried that her daughter might have body image issues if she nagged about snacking and weight. Instead, she focuses on mindful eating, healthy food choices and a healthy lifestyle that includes daily exercise.

Now, as the head of ENERGY, she is bringing a program to Mass General Hospital that will also roll out into their associated network of hospitals including Newton-Wellesley Hospital. This is a weekly family based weight management program for children ages 10 years old and older.

And she shared some helpful concrete advice:
- She discourages using food as a treat.
- She discourages diets for children. Instead she promotes a healthy lifestyle.
- Eating at the table as a family helps to make meals a bonding experience.
- Think about the Quality/Quantity/Context of Food. Where are we eating? When are we eating? Why are we eating?
- Distracted eating = Overeating.
Things most parents don’t have to worry about (but still do) …
- Pleasing all palates. Don’t cook a different meal for kids.
- Is my child eating enough? Kids will not starve themselves.
- Will my child be hungry? Snacks. Don’t overpack just to give choices, especially when your child is in daycare or school all day. We’re conditioning kids to snack all day.
- Eating disorders. Statistically, this is rare.
This new ENERGY program will start in September at Mass General Hospital in Boston. Dr. Scirica is also on Twitter at @SciricaMD. I really liked her as person that I could relate to and want to hang out with. She’s very down to earth and funny to boot.
August 17, 2012
Girls’ Soccer Cleat Exchange on Labor Day

To all NGS Families:

It’s time for the Bi-Annual Cleat Exchange!

Date: Monday, September 3rd (yes, it’s Labor Day)

Time: 11:00am – 3:00pm

Where: 35 Kingswood Road, Auburndale

(Take Comm. Ave. to Islington to Kingswood – map at http://newtongirlssoccer.org/announce/)

How it works: If you have old cleats cluttering closets bring them along and find a new pair that fits. Even if you don’t have any cleats to donate, bring your daughter on that Saturday to find a pair. It’s great fun!

Cleats are being accepted in advance at 59 Oxford Road, Newton Centre and 35 Kingswood Road, Auburndale. . . . or just bring them on September 3rd

Tell your friends!

August 13, 2012
Newton Businesses Make Best of Boston List!
This is from the Newton Patch.

Newton was well-represented in this year’s Best of Boston issue from Boston Magazine. More than a dozen businesses/services received recognition from the magazine in both Boston-based awards and “West of the City” categories.

The following Newton businesses made the issue:
- Best Garden Supplies: Winston Flowers (gorgeous flowers too, but expensive!)
- Best Kitchen Supplies: Sur La Table at The Mall at Chestnut Hill (very helpful staff!)
- Best Makeup: Sephora (a location at The Mall at Chestnut Hill)
- Best Bar West of Boston: The Cottage Chestnut Hill
- Best Brunch West of Boston: The Biltmore (I’ve been hearing so many people rave about this place!)
- Best Day Spa West of Boston: La Residencia
- Best Men’s Clothing West of Boston: Mr. Sid (an establishment!)
- Best Jewelry West of Boston: Adamas Fine Jewelry (Hey, we were on the same soccer team with co-founder’s son)
- Best Hair Salon West of Boston: Salon Capri
- Best Wine Shop West of Boston: The Urban Grape
- Best Bedroom Kids Furniture: Baby Koo
- Best Living Room, Interior Designer: Liz Caan (so many talented Interior Designers in Newton alone!)
- Best Specialty, Gym Equipment: Gym Source
- Best Wedding Coordinator: Hopple Popple (Hey, that’s my neighbor and mom friend Abby’s family company! Shout out to Abby who does weddings!! They are in that adorable purple cottage on California Street near McDonalds!)
- Best Place to “Carbo-Load”: Rosenfeld Bagel Company’s Challah (And the bagels are great too!! We also like their cream cheese. I am partial to the chive. My husband liked the lox.)
Information provided by Boston Magazine website.
August 10, 2012
Links from Newton News Blogs

We’re lucky that there are lots of publications specific to Newton. I rounded up some interesting clippings:

Newton Patch: Vote for your Newton favorite parks, restaurants, and services.

Please vote in their survey!

Newton in Boston.com: Atrium Mall in Chestnut Hill purchased by Bulfinch Cos. and will be converted to medical and office center

Hav you been to the Atrium Mall lately? It looks like a ghost town. Lê’s Restaurant is probably leaving by December according to Vin Lê, the manager. Bertucci’s is gone. I wonder if The Cheesecake Factory will stay? We’re thinking that there is going to be a big sale at the Pottery Barn when they move out …

Newton Tab: Rail trail coming to Upper Falls within the year

New greenway trail coming to Newton! I think my dog will love this!

Newton Patch: Former Newton Teacher May Plead Guilty to Federal Charges

Update on David Ettlinger.

Szerlip’s Real Estate Blog: Newton Real Estate Market’s Biggest Problem—Lack of Inventory!

Newton has only 130 single families listed for sale and 166 are under agreement. A steady market is between 200 and 215 active listings.

Good news for homeowners even if we are not looking to sell! Crazy how hot our real estate market is even though the general U.S. economy is not that robust!

July 27, 2012
Rowers: Newton Athlete Heads to the London Olympic Games!

Don’t Forget The Rowers!

UPDATE (July 30, 2012): Gevvie Stone, who is competing in the women’s single sculls event, placed third in her heat with a time of 7:33.68. The time qualified her for a spot in the event quarterfinals. Newton Patch

——————

27-year-old Newton athlete Gevvie Stone is yet another local Bostonian headed to London for the summer olympic in just a few weeks. Stone is a national and internationally recognized rower from the Cambridge Boat Club. She began rowing in 2001 as part of a family tradition as both her mother and father were rowing Olympic hopefuls.

However, no one imagined that Gevvie would follow directly in their footsteps. Since then Stone has placed 1st for skulling at the national competition, 8th for skulling at the 2012 Samsung Rowing Cup, and is the three-time champion of the Head of the Charles competition which is the largest rowing event in the world.

After narrowly missing a place in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Stone managed to train fiercely for London even while working around her schedule as a medical student at Tufts University and made the cut.

This young athlete has immense potential for a US victory this year. Go Gevvie!

July 18, 2012
Fun Stuff To Do For Kids in Newton This Summer

Stuff to Do With Kids in Newton and Boston

Need ideas for Camp Mom or for a fun weekend Staycation? Try these fun summer activities! Can you suggest more fun things to do around Newton?

1. Explore the Charles River by canoe, kayak or paddle board. Charles River Canoe and Kayak can outfit you in a jiffy. My kids loved seeing baby cygnets, goslings and duckings via canoe. Explore another world just minutes away! You can fish in a rowboat too!

2. Sail the Charles River. The best deal in Boston, hands down, is the Community Boating in Boston. If you don’t know how to sail, sign up for a class.

3. Scull the Charles River. Crew is so East Coast! You must try it! Community Rowing in Watertown: Rowing for All!

4. Walk History. Boston Common is the start of the 2.5-mile Freedom Trail, a brick-lined route that passes 16 historic sites. Take visitors on this tour or just do it yourself with kids. Bonus stop in the North End for gelato, iced drinks at cafes, or pastries.

5. Visit Fenway Park. Are Fenway Franks really as good as they sound? You decide. The nation’s oldest ballpark has tours Ballpark Tour or catch a game live.

6. The Cape. Cape Cod and the islands—windswept beaches, the best of fresh New England seafood. It’s a 90-minute ferry from Boston to Provincetown or a 15-minute flight to Nantucket from Logan. Or rent a car for the quick drive, with a stop along the way at Plimouth Plantation.

7. Beach. Yes, we have our own at Crystal Lake! Bring toddlers to the shallow beach, get swimming lessons or just cool down.

8. Shady Hike With Dogs. Weston Reservoir off Ash Street is a great place to let your dog run off leash with a 1.6 mile loop is mostly flat and very shady. My kids like to play with the sticks, throw stones into the reservoir, built stone walls, and unclog the streams.

9. Fish Are Biting. In Norumbega. This is the inside scoop: “Charles at the duck pond at the end of Norumbega Road in Weston. This is on the border with Newton and Waltham, across from the Charles River boat house by the Newton Marriot. Many smaller bass 2lbs or less, bigger carp and heard reports of american eel from other anglers.”

10. What is your favorite thing to do?

July 12, 2012