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Massachusetts Ranked 2nd in Nation for Child Well-Being. Children in Massachusetts lead the nation in educational achievement and also rank highly in health measures, but more than one in seven live in poverty, according to the 2016 KIDS COUNT® Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation. The annual report measures child well-being state-by-state across four categories: health, education, economic well-being and family and community.
The Data Book tracks reading proficiency in fourth grade and math in eighth grade. Massachusetts students lead the nation in both measures, with 50 percent of our students proficient in reading and 51 percent in math. But while the data show that Massachusetts leads the nation, the report also shows that half of our students are not achieving these goals. There are similar mixed messages for other education measures: 12 percent of our students do not graduate high school on time – that’s too many, but down from 18 percent in 2008.
While Massachusetts ranks at the top in educational attainment and near the top in child health, on measures of family economic well-being it ranks 11th. Raising the incomes of low and middle income families remains an important challenge for our Commonwealth.
Ice Age Family Fun at Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere!
Bring the whole family to celebrate ‘Ice Age: Collision Course’ in theatres July 22!
WHAT: On Sunday, July 10th, Showcase Cinema de Lux Revere will be celebrating in anticipation of the fifth movie of the Ice Age series, Ice Age: Collision Course! Bring the whole family for a day of fun: meet the beloved character Scrat, enjoy face painting, balloon twisting, crafts, airbrush tattoos and movie goodies!
Boston College moved out to Newton in 1913, creating a campus from farmland once owned by Amos Lawrence, 19th century industrialist and abolitionist. This tour, led by BC History professor James O’Toole, traces connections between the school and its Newton neighbors. Also learn the history of some of its early buildings, including Gasson Hall.Meet in the plaza between Gasson Hall and the O’Neill Library (near College Road on the Boston College campus). Suggested donation, $10. Information: 617-796-1450.
Sunday, July 24, 2:00 PM
HISTORIC NEWTON WALKS
NEWTON’S EARLIEST SUBDIVISIONS
William Jackson was one of the first to predict how the railroads would shape the future of Newton. Anticipating Newton’s growth as a railroad suburb, in 1844 he sold portions of the historic Jackson Homestead farm to create housing for people likely to use the new Boston and Albany railroad line to commute to work. This tour highlights the architectural and social history of the neighborhood around Walnut Park and Waban Park from the mid-19th through early 20th centuries. Meet in the parking lot of the Jackson Homestead, 527 Washington Street, Newton. Suggested donation, $10. Information: 617-796-1450.
AUGUST
Saturday and Sunday, August 6 and 7, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
COMMUNITY WEEKEND AT HISTORIC NEWTON
Newton residents are invited to enjoy free admission to our museums. At the Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street, and the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue, Newton. Information: 617-796-1450.
Sunday, August 7, 2:00 PM
HISTORIC NEWTON WALKS
COMMUNITY LIFE IN 19th CENTURY AUBURNDALE
Explore the institutions that helped define 19th century life in Auburndale. A local tavern first brought people through the area. As the railroad arrived and more people settled, early institutions, such as Lasell College and the United Parish of Auburndale, became the focus of community life. Longtime Auburndale residents Caroline and Larry Schwirian lead this tour. Meet in front of the Walker Center, 144 Hancock Street, Auburndale. Suggested donation, $10 per person. Information: 617-796-1450.
College award letters have arrived and decision day has passed. Now tuition bills are arriving and many families are thinking: How do we pay for it? As parents formulate a plan to afford college, private student loans can help bridge the gap between scholarships, grants, and federal student loans. Here are some tips from College Ave Student Loans CEO and Co-Founder Joe DePaulo on things to consider when thinking about private student and parent loans:
1) Consider all of your options. Scholarships, grants, and federal student loans in the student’s name should be the first things families look to when budgeting for college. Unfortunately, these sources aren’t always enough to cover the full cost of college. A successful college funding strategy takes some research and planning, by looking at all available sources of funding. For those with good credit, a private student loan or private parent loan might help with expenses not covered by other options.
2) Understand the importance of good credit. Unlike federal loans, private student loans typically require a credit and income review to determine an individual’s anticipated ability to repay the loan. Since many students have limited credit history and income, private student loans typically require a cosigner (often a parent or guardian who has good credit and sufficient income) who agrees to take equal responsibility to repay the loan if the student borrower can’t. Some private lenders, like College Ave Student Loans, also offer parent loans for parents who want to borrow on their own without sharing responsibility with the student. Parents with strong credit may be able to save with private parent loans over the Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan, so be sure to shop around. Not sure about your credit? College Ave Student Loans offers simple and free credit pre-qualification tools at www.collegeavestudentloans.com so customers can quickly find out if their credit qualifies for a College Ave loan.
3) Make sure your plan goes beyond tuition.There are lots of extra costs of college beyond the school’s tuition and fees. Plan ahead for extra expenses likedorm supplies, books, or a new laptop. If a student is in off-campus housing, you may also need to think about utilities, groceries, gas and more. Schools factor these additional expenses into their cost of attendance. As long as your existing aid doesn’t exceed the school’s calculated cost of attendance, private student and parent loans can be used to cover those out-of-pocket costs. College Ave’s Parent Loan even offers the option for a portion of the loan funds to be deposited directly into the parents’ bank account – so they can control the spending for extra college costs.
4) Don’t assume all loans are the same. If you decide that borrowing is the right option for your family, shop around to get a loan that works for you. Low rates are important, but also be sure to look for lenders with repayment options that help you match the loan to your budget. Be on the lookout for any application or origination fees as well.
5) If you need to borrow, don’t wait until the last minute. The time from application to disbursement (when a student loan is sent to the school) varies. At a minimum, the process requires participation from you, your lender, and your school. Even though this can be streamlined, there’s always the possibility that something could slow it down such as your school certifying your loan. On top of that, there are certain regulatory periods (e.g., right-to-cancel period) that are required by law and cannot be reduced.
ABOUT JOE DEPAULO
Joe DePaulo, a financial services veteran, previously served as CFO, EVP of Banking and a member of the Board of Directors at Sallie Mae. Before Sallie Mae, he was CEO and co-founder of Credit One Financial Solutions, a company focused on debt consolidation. He previously held several executive positions as MBNA, including U.S. Card group executive and member of the corporate management committee. Joe received an AB degree from Georgetown University and an MBA degree from Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College.
ABOUT COLLEGE AVE College Ave Student Loans is simplifying the student loan experience so students can get on with what matters most: preparing for a bright future. As a fintech lending company with a sole focus on private student loans, we’re using technology and our deep industry expertise to connect families who need to cover education costs with lenders who can provide that funding. By specializing in student loans, we are able to give our customers the attention they deserve and deliver loans that are simple, clear, and personalized for the individual: we help you find your perfect fit. Competitive rates, a wide range of repayment options, and a customer-friendly experience from application through repayment. For more information, visit: https://www.collegeavestudentloans.com/.
Saturday and Sunday, July 2 and 3, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM
COMMUNITY WEEKEND AT HISTORIC NEWTON
Newton residents are invited to enjoy free admission to our museums. At the Jackson Homestead and Museum, 527 Washington Street, and the Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue, Newton. Information: 617-796-1450.
For fall 2016, NNHS will be exploring “one question” instead of “one book.” The question, developed by students and faculty together, is “Why do people put themselves in other people’s shoes, and what can we learn from that?” Our goal is for the exploration of this question to support our continued efforts related to anti-bias and cultural competency.
Instead of recommending one book, we are recommending a number of resources that relate to this question and encourage all community members to read/view/listen to at least one recommended resource this summer. Engaging with these resources this summer will support conversation and explorations this fall.
Resources that are not books are available free and online. Links available on the One School, One Question page of the NNHS website.
Books:
The Arrival by Shaun Tan
This graphic novel, told almost entirely in visual images, tells the story of an immigrant man’s journey to and experiences in a new country.
Between the World and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coates
In this critically acclaimed memoir, written as a series of letters to his teenage son, Coates explores how race has shaped our history and current times.
Ms. Marvel by G. Willow Wilson and Adrian Alphona
In this critically acclaimed graphic novel, teenager Kamala Khan suddenly receives superpowers, turning her into Ms. Marvel. Kamala wrestles with her new superpowers, trying to live up to the example set by her hero Captain Marvel, and with being a Muslim American and South Asian American teenager living in Jersey City.
How do we stand against prejudice and discrimination when we don’t identify with the group being targeted? This article offers tips for how to do so in an effective way.
This comic strip offers definitions and examples of microaggressions, using words and visuals to illustrate how and why microaggressions can hurt.
“For Many Latinos, Racial Identity is More Culture Than Color” (Mireya Navarro)
This New York Times article explores how and why some who may get classified as Latino or Hispanic choose to identify themselves.
“Life at the Top in America Isn’t Just Better, It’s Longer” (Janny Scott)
This poignant New York Times article follows three New York City residents of different socio-economic classes who each have a heart attack. Their subsequent treatment and recovery experiences differ vastly based on what socio-economic class they are a part of.
“Cane, Able” (Lory Hough)
In 1975 legislation mandated that “public schools provide appropriate education for all children, including the blind.” David Tichhi, NNHS faculty-member, shares his perspectives as both a student and a teacher.
Podcast:
This American Life, Episode 545, Act 1: Ask Not For Whom the Bell Trolls, It Trolls For Thee (Lindy West)
In this 21-minute podcast segment, we hear the story of how writer Lindy West came to receive an apology from the man who viciously and repeatedly trolled her online. In the conversation between Ms. West and her tormenter, each learns what it’s like on the other side of hateful internet comments. [Please note: The podcast features Ms. West reading some of the malicious remarks she has received online, which include strong language, threats, and references to rape.] (Transcript available.)
This powerful podcast focuses on the challenges of empathizing with people who don’t share one’s own identity. The first part (10 minutes) tells the story of an Israeli soldier who tried to put himself in the shoes of Palestinian families. The second part (12 minutes) chronicles how a professor at a Palestinian university brought his students on a trip to Auschwitz so that they might understand the horrors of the Holocaust. The episode closes with an excerpt (7 minutes) from the play “Wrestling Jerusalem” by Aaron Davidman.” (Transcript not available.)
Video:
The Danger of A Single Story (Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie)
This TED Talk explores why we all need to hear, read, and experience as many different stories as possible. (Subtitles available)
East of Main Street: Asians Aloud (HBO)
In this powerful 37 minute video (closed captioned), HBO presents a collection of different voices from the Asian Pacific American community; people of different ethnic groups, religions, genders, and sexual orientations share their experiences and stories.
Malala Yousafzai’s speech at the Youth Takeover of the United Nations (Malala Yousafzai)
A Pakistani teenager nearly killed by Taliban gunmen for advocating that all girls should have the right to go to school gave her first formal public remarks at the United Nations on her 16th birthday in 2013. Her strong remarks included “We call upon all governments to ensure free, compulsory education — all around the world for every child.” (Video and Transcript available.)
So You’re Not Sure If You Should Ever Use The Word ‘Gay?’ Here’s The Handiest Flow Chart Ever. (Ash Beckham)
“Meet Ash Beckham. She has some really smart and hilarious things to help you out the next time you are thinking about using the word ‘gay.’” (Subtitles available)
Laverne Cox Explains the Intersection of Transphobia, Racism, and Misogyny (And What to Do About It) (Laverne Cox)
Watch Laverne Cox explain the unique positionality and context behind being a Black trans woman in the United States and propose a solution for the fact that trans women of color are the most targeted victims of violence in the LGBTQ community. (youtube Closed Captions available.)
Latino Vs Hispanic (Jessica Hernandez-Cruz)
Young adults who self-identify as Latino and/or Hispanic share their personal perspective on how and why they self-identify in a particular way demonstrating the idea that the identities are not interchangeable. (Subtitles available)
I’m not your inspiration, thank you very much (Stella Young)
“Stella Young is a comedian and journalist who happens to go about her day in a wheelchair — a fact that doesn’t, she’d like to make clear, automatically turn her into a noble inspiration to all humanity. In this very funny talk, Young breaks down society’s habit of turning disabled people into “inspiration porn.”” (Subtitles and Transcript available)
With more teens obtaining driver’s licenses during the summer than any other season and an average of 220 auto-related teen deaths occurring every month during the same period, the personal-finance website WalletHub today followed up on its analysis of the Best & Worst States for Summer Road Trips with an in-depth look at 2016’s Best & Worst States for Teen Drivers.
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We compared the driving conditions for teens in the 50 U.S. states based on 16 key metrics, which collectively speak to each state’s safety conditions, economic environment and driving laws. You can find a handful of highlights from the report below.
Teen Driving Conditions in Massachusetts (1=Best; 25=Avg.):
4th– Number of Teen Driver Fatalities per Teen Population
7th– Number of Teen DUIs per Teen Population
27th– Average Cost of Car Repairs
1st– Presence of Distracted-Driving/Texting-While-Driving Laws
20th– Auto Insurance Premium Increase After Adding a Teen Driver to a Policy
1st– Presence of Teen Driver’s Graduated Licensing Program Laws
The Street announces small batch ice cream store Rancatore’s will open tomorrow, June 17th, in The Pop-Up, its storefront devoted exclusively to a rotating mix of local brands. Rancatore’s will occupy the space through August 21st, bringing flavors such as Tiger Milk, Hydrox Cookie, Orange Fennel, and Dulce de Leche to The Street during the height of summer. The Pop-Up at The Street is located at 3 Boylston Street in Chestnut Hill, near Star Market and the newly opened MiniLuxe.
Rancatore’s has been serving made-from-scratch ice cream, yogurt and sorbet for 31 years. The shop is also loved for its hot fudge and specialty frappes. Rancatore’s will occupy The Pop-Up from Friday, June 17th through Sunday, August 21st and is open seven days a week from 11am-11pm. Rancatore’s has additional locations in Lexington, Belmont, and Newtonville. This is the brand’s first pop-up.
Rancatore’s Opening Menu Includes the Following Flavors:
Ice Cream
Vanilla
Bittersweet Chocolate (made with unsweetened chocolate from Holland)
Calebaut Milk Chocolate (with mild Belgian chocolate)
Coffee
Hydrox Cookie
Chocolate Chip
Orange Fennel
Cocoa Joel (made with three types of chocolate, crushed cookies and chocolate chips)
Dulce de Leche, hot and spicy
Black Raspberry
Tiger Milk
Cookie Dough
Yogurt
Vanilla
Chocolate Mousse
Almond and Chip
Mocha Chip
Sorbet
Mango
The ice cream maker will be The Street’s eighth tenant inside The Pop-Up since the concept launched in November 2015 with a mission to celebrate innovative and local small businesses. Its 409-square foot space has hosted the market’s leaders in fitness, food, floral and knitwear, including Papers & Presents, Sweet Lydia’s, Legit Activewear, Kane’s Donuts, Alice’s Table, The Third Piece, and OMG! Bagels.
The Suffolk Downs Racing and Food Truck Festival is returning for a second year, launching July 9 and 10. Please see attached release for more information, including a list of trucks that will be attending the festival in July.
Live Thoroughbred racing returns to Suffolk Downs on Saturday and Sunday July 9 and 10, for the first of three special weekend “Racing and Food Truck Festival” events taking place at the track. This year’s events will take place on July 9/July 10, August 6/August 7 and September 3/September 4. The weekend festivals will include a dozen food trucks, craft beer, live music and family fun activities including pony rides, a bounce house and face painting.
Gates open at 11:00 a.m. and first post for live racing is scheduled at 12:00 p.m. Each weekend will feature steeplechase racing on Saturdays and there will be stakes races restricted to horses bred in Massachusetts on both days. The featured event of the opening day card on Saturday, July 9 will be the $75,000 Jill Jellison Memorial Stakes – a five furlong turf race restricted to fillies and mares and named in honor of Jill Jellison, a pioneer member of the local jockey colony who passed away after a battle with cancer last year.
Some of Boston’s favorite food trucks will be a big part of these race weekends. Attendees can enjoy everything from burgers to egg rolls to waffles to fried chicken, hot dogs, ice cream sandwiches and more! Coordinated by Food Truck Festivals of America, some of the popular food trucks rolling into the track for the July weekend include Daddy’s Bonetown Burgers, Bon Me, Trolley Dogs, Chili Mango & Lime, the Roving Lunchbox, Zinneken’s Waffles, Frozen Hoagies and Walloon’s.
