Category: All About Newton

News, events, children’s activities in Newton, MA.

Artists: Apply to ArtWeek Boston

ArtWeek, a bi-annual, ten-day festival featuring more than 100 unique, unexpected, and creative experiences, is seeking applications for its Spring 2016 festival. Events will be held throughout Eastern Massachusetts from April 29 – May 8, and applications can be found at artweekboston.org. The early bird deadline to submit an ArtWeek event is February 12; the final deadline is March 4. ArtWeek is presented by Highland Street Foundation and produced by Citi Performing Arts Center.

Launched in 2013, ArtWeek works to spotlight how the creative economy is thriving in Massachusetts by giving people a “sneak peek” at the creative process or by letting them be part of a unique, hands-on creative experience. Through community and artistic collaborations, this award-winning festival provides neighborhood-based experiences in dance, folk and traditional arts, fashion, media arts, spoken-word, poetry, writing, contemporary visual arts, music, opera, theater, design, film, and more. To date, ArtWeek has worked with more than 475 organizations and partners, hosting more than 400 events in 45 neighborhoods and towns in Eastern Massachusetts.

ArtWeek events are unique, memorable, and inspired experiences that you won’t find anywhere else. This spring, ArtWeek will feature two new exciting concepts: “Art of Food” and “Light Up the Night”. More than 60 percent of all ArtWeek events are free to the public. Events submitted before the early bird deadline on February 12 will be featured on the Wang and Shubert Theatre marquees for added visibility.

For more information, visit www.artweekboston.org.

January 21, 2016
Free Teen Yoga Classes at Artemis Yoga!
Yoga for Teens & Tweens/Early Teen – Free Preview Classes on Jan 22^nd and 24^th!

Yoga is a great way for youth to build strength of body and mind in a supportive, fun environment. Students in each of these classes will learn techniques to relax and calm the mind which helps to manage the daily pressures and challenges of busy lives. Come and treat yourself. No prior yoga experience is needed. Yoga is for everybody, no particular fitness level is necessary.

Click here to learn more or to register for Teen and Tween/Early Teen classes

Both classes will be held at the brand new Artemis Yoga located at 639 Mt. Auburn Street in East Watertown.
1. Yoga for Teens (Grades 9-12) – Friday afternoons – 3:30 to 4:30pm
Jan 22nd to Mar 4th – Six Week Series

Free First Class Preview – Jan 22^nd – Click here to Register

*No class Feb 19 – vacation week

This class led by instructor, Amy Hrobak, meets on Friday afternoons for six weeks. Ideally, you sign up for all six classes but there is an option to drop-in space permitting. The first class on Jan 22nd is being offered as a free preview class.
1. Yoga for Tweens and Early Teen (Grades 5-8) – Sunday afternoons – 4:00 to 4:45pm
Jan 24th to Mar 6th – Six Week Series

Free First Class Preview – Jan 24^th – Click here to Register

*no class Feb 14 – vacation week

This class led by instructor, JoAnne Kazis, meets on Sunday afternoons for six weeks. Ideally, you sign up for all six classes but there is an option to drop-in space permitting. The first class on Jan 24th is being offered as a free preview class.

Teen_TweenYoga_ArtemisYoga
January 20, 2016
NNHS Nothing Unusual Found

I am writing to follow up on our earlier communication regarding an incident at Newton North High School this morning. As I reported earlier, at approximately 10:40 AM a threatening phone call was received in the main office.

The building was then placed in “Shelter in Place.” While in Shelter in Place, the exterior doors to the building are locked and students remain in their classrooms with their teachers. We are continuing to coordinate our response with the Newton Fire and Police department, as well as the State Police department.

The Fire Department has already searched the building using thermal imaging technology, and the State Police is currently completing a second search of the building using bomb-sniffing dogs. While these precautions are underway, our students and staff remain in Shelter-in-Place. There is no immediate danger to our students, and we are taking every precaution to ensure that there is no risk before returning to our school routines. We will update the Newton North community as soon as we have additional information.

—————

I am pleased to report that the State Police has concluded their search of the entire building and found nothing out of the ordinary. As a result, the Shelter-in-Place has concluded and we have returned to our normal school routines. This afternoon’s schedule will be adjusted and students will be in lunches and class until our regular Tuesday dismissal time (2:35.) I would like to thank the Newton Police and Fire departments and the State Police for their support. I am also thankful to the staff and students for their patience and understanding. I am sorry to report that schools across Eastern Massachusetts received similar threats today. As always, we take safety and security seriously, and work closely with public safety officials and continue to be vigilant. Thank you very much for your understanding and support,

Sincerely,

Mark Aronson

Interim Principal

—————-

Good Afternoon,

I am writing to you regarding today’s events. Again, I would like to acknowledge all of the fine work done today by the Newton Police Department, Newton Fire Department, The Mass State Police and our Newton North Staff. As you know we received a threat to our building that required us to “Shelter in Place” while the authorities did their jobs to ensure the safety of the building. I realize that these events create a multitude of feelings for all of us and raise questions as to the best response. Rest assured that we work closely with all of the above agencies and the superintendent’s office to make a well informed decision based on the facts at hand. Please know that we are consistently reflecting on our safety practices and appreciate your continued support as we work to maintain a safe, supportive learning environment for our students. Tomorrow we look forward to having a typical school routine. Counselors are always available to any student who may need some support regarding today’s events. If you are concerned about your child please feel free to contact their housemaster or counselor.

Have a nice evening, Mark

—————

Other schools receiving threats include Arlington High School, Groton Middle School, and the Florence Roche School. Fitzgerald Elementary School in Waltham was also evacuated Tuesday morning after a male called in a threat, police confirmed. A threat was phoned-in to Swampscott High School around 11:45 a.m. Tuesday, prompting the evacuation of students and dismissal from classes for the rest of the day, authorities confirm. The incident is still under investigation.

Police in Tewksbury say they’re investigating at Tewksbury High School. Newton police said firefighters are currently at Newton North High School investigating, but they do not believe the school was evacuated.

The Superintendents office of Ayer-Shirley Regional say the high school received a threat and that students were moved to a local elementary school. From NECN.com

Do you think this has anything to do with end of term tests?

January 19, 2016
Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices

MIDDLE SCHOOL and HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
and PARENTS/GUARDIANS INVITED
Save the date for a fun, free EXPO at Newton North High School!
Thursday, January 21, 2016, from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Teens and adults are invited to the Just Think: Teens Making Smart Choices expo for participative, informative exhibits; live musical performances; free refreshments; and fun. Meet 30 community exhibitors who help teens navigate life’s pressures in order to stay safe and healthy. Get information about everything from social media use and pedestrian safety to healthy eating and positive body image to stress reduction and mental health support.
• Community resources for teens and families
• FREE and fun!
• Treat bags for the first 50 students who come with a parent/guardian
• Giveaways and refreshments
• Grand prize drawing: Beats headphones
• “American Ninja Warrior” live demo!

January 19, 2016
Science Competition for Kids Grades 5-8

DISCOVERY EDUCATION AND 3M SEARCH FOR AMERICA’S 2016 TOP YOUNG SCIENTIST

— Next Generation of STEM Leaders Invited to Solve the Challenges of Tomorrow and Compete for $25,000 in the Annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge —

— Through One-of-a-Kind Summer Mentorship, 3M Scientists Will Provide Guidance and Support to Student Finalists as They Develop an Innovative Solution that Improves Lives —

Discovery Education and 3M are proud to announce the opening of the annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, the nation’s premier science competition for students in grades 5-8. Through the program, young inventors have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work closely with a 3M Scientist Mentor, compete for $25,000, and earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

The Challenge rewards students who use their science acumen and innovative thinking to create new ways to solve the issues we face every day. Hannah Herbst, who won last year for her energy probe prototype that seeks to offer a stable power source to developing countries, entered the contest because she wanted to help her 9-year-old pen pal living in Ethiopia who lacks a reliable source of power and electricity.

Any student in grades 5-8 can enter the contest by creating a one to two-minute video communicating the science behind a new innovation or solution that could solve or impact an everyday problem.

Video entries will be evaluated based on their creativity, scientific knowledge, persuasiveness and overall presentation. Ten finalists will then be chosen to participate in an exclusive mentorship program where they will work closely with a 3M scientist. During the program, finalists will be challenged to develop an innovation that positively impacts them, their family, their community or the global population. The students will meet virtually with their mentors and will receive additional resources and support from 3M and Discovery Education. Each finalist will also receive a trip to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., to compete at the final event in October 2016.

All video entries must be submitted online at www.youngscientistchallenge.com no later than April 20, 2016. Videos will not be judged on production skills and may be recorded on cell phones or basic digital cameras.

“Turning ideas into reality is what 3M scientists do every day,” said Jon Lindekugel, senior vice president of business development and marketing-sales at 3M. “The Young Scientist Challenge is designed to inspire the next generation of science leaders by enabling them to see the practical applications of science and how their inventions can be used to improve lives.”

Since its inception, the Young Scientist Challenge has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars in student scholarships and prizes, paired students with world-renowned scientists to give them real-world insights and delivered much-needed science resources to millions of students, teachers and families across the country. Previous winners have met the President of the United States, addressed members of Congress, worked with the nation’s top scientists and been featured in Forbes magazine’s annual “30 Under 30” list.

“The Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge allows our nation’s next generation of innovators to interact and be mentored by world-renowned scientists, and inspires interest in the wonders of science,” said Nancy Addison, Director of PreK-12 STEM Education, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. “This unique partnership between Discovery Education and 3M encourages scientific exploration among America’s youth and helps cultivate important skills to help students succeed in college, career and life.”

For more information on the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including submission guidelines, tips from previous winners and complete rules, please visit: www.youngscientistchallenge.com.

January 17, 2016
Thoroughly Racist Millie

CAPA Drops Musical After Complaints of Racism

Thoroughly Modern Millie raised a backlash from students.

The Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts has dropped a planned staging of the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie after students complained about racist portrayals of Asians in the play.

Two students — Jasmine Luca and Tai Joselyn — described the controversy in a Tuesday essay for The Notebook, saying the play should be re-named Thoroughly Racist Millie.

“Millie depends on disturbing stereotypes toward Asians,” the duo wrote. “The lead character, Mrs. Meers, appears in yellow face and is directed to speak in a fake Chinese accent. But since Mrs. Meers is not Asian, what do you think happens when someone mimics a Chinese accent to almost a completely non-Chinese audience? Just look at any of the YouTube videos of this character purposefully mangling Chinese.”
Read more here.

These are all related posts on Thoroughly Modern Millie at Newton North High School:

My Take on Thoroughly Modern Millie

Talk Back: Racism in Thoroughly Modern Millie at NNHS

NNHS Responds to Concerns About Thoroughly Modern Millie

MTI Advises How to Squelch Dissent on Thoroughly Modern Millie

Throwndown NNHS: Talk the Talk or Walk the Walk? Regarding Racism in Thoroughly Modern Millie

Rebuttal to ‘Millie in Newton: Turn Stereotypes into Lessons

More Than 50% of Asian American Teens are Bullied in School

White Privilege and Thoroughly Modern Millie

Thoroughly Modern Millie End of School Year Takeaway

Thoroughly Modern Millie Talk Back Videos

These are other articles and posts related to Thoroughly Modern Millie at Newton North High School:

The Boston Globe: School Play’s Stereotypes Bring Outcry and Apology. “Millie” touches nerve in Newton by Ellen Ishkanian

The Boston Globe: ‘Millie’ Flag Highlights How Old Plays are Rife with Stereotypes by Don Aucoin

The Telegraph: US high school show triggers race row by David Millward

NECN TV Segment: NECN Broadside with Jim Braude, Historical Musical Sparks Controvery at Massachusetts High School

The Boston Globe: ‘Millie’ Fight Creates a Chilling Effect by Joan Vennochi

The Boston Globe: ‘Millie’ in Newton: Turn Stereotypes into Lessons

The Boston Globe: Musical is Little More Than Staged Racism by Jeffrey Melnick (Letter to Editor in response to Joan Vennochi’s article above).

Monitoring, Exposing & Fighting Against Anti-Semitism and Racism: Thoroughly Modern Millie’ play draws controversy in Mass. over racial stereotyping

Company One: In the Intersection, Thoroughly Modern Millie Controvery at Local High School

A case study published by UMass Peter Kiang almost 20 years ago (see pages 9-13), parallels almost exactly what happened at Newton North High School. ScholarWorks at UMass Boston, We Could Shape It: Organizing for Asian American Student Empowerment by Peter Nien-Chu Kiang.

The Notebook: Racism isn’t entertainment: Why “Thoroughly Modern Millie” didn’t belong on CAPA’s stage

Resist Racism: Thoroughly Racist ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’

Genki Speak: Racism in Our Backyard

Angry Asian Man

Village 14: Decision to Stage ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ at North Challenged

AsAm News: Play Filled With Offensive Images Sparks Town Hall Meeting

AsAm News: I Love Newton: High School Production Fails To Address Heavy Dose Of Asian American Stereotypes

Greer Tan Swiston: Kudos to Newton North for a thoroughly modern update of ‘Millie’

The Boston Globe: Oh, by the way, how about a round of applause for the kids? (Letter to the Editor from a grandparent)

The Boston Globe: Choice, execution of musical informed by thoughful education process (Letter to the Editor from the writers who comprise the Theatre Arts Opportunity Committee at Newton North High School.)

The Boston Globe: We miss a vital chance for understanding when we swap out ethnic characters(Letter to the Editor from a great-grandmother, teacher and volunteer)

Arissa Oh ‏@arissaoh 1h

3 white ppl on @GreaterBoston unhelpfully discuss HS prodns of “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” cc: @pragmaticmom

Pawprint: Millard West Student Newspaper: Through with Thoroughly Modern Millie

The Washington Post: Twenty-Three Skiddo: ‘Modern Millie’ Doesn’t Dance

It’s an attempt, sort of, at a parody of the old-style musicals of the ’20s and ’30s, the sort jerry-built out of cheerful songs, convoluted plots, elaborate tap demonstrations and derogatory stereotypes.

IMDb: Thoroughly Embalmed Musical

Project Muse: Thoroughly Modern Millie (review)

Not Like Crazy: An Easily Overlooked Racism?

In the Spring semester at school, the Musical Theater Department put on Thoroughly Modern Millie, which was overflowing with racism in its portrayal of Asians. I must say, I was thoroughly upset about the whole thing. First, the guys playing the Asians, I believe they were supposed to be Chinese immigrants, had white face makeup and slanty eyes. I couldn’t help but think that if they’d dressed in blackface, surely there’d be an uproar (Of course, they are putting on Ragtime this year, so we’ll see how they handle that– they’re already sending out emails about how they want the black students to try out for roles because there aren’t many black people in the musical theater department *eyeroll*). That wasn’t the only bad thing about the musical, however, the villian was a white woman pretending to be Asian who pronounced her L’s as R’s, and said she used soy sauce to clean a stain. Of course, she also treated the two Asian immigrants who worked for her as if they were stupid, and the silently and humbly submit in front of her, though behind closed doors they argue in Chinese (I guess it was real Chinese), with subtitles projected above the stage. And then one of the Asian men falls in love with one of the white women in the musical, blonde hair, blue eyes, you know the deal. At the end of the musical, they get together, as if his reward for working hard and being submissive, for being mistreated, is the gift of white womanhood, the pinnacle of creation. So yeah, I was pretty pissed about that whole thing.

Myvanwy: Review of Thoroughly Modern Millie

Someone sent me video of a local comedian’s youtube video of a character I’ve seen him portray once before. To call it infantile and racially insensitive would be a gross understatement. For the targets of his ridicule, it’s every bit as offensive as a mean-spirited performance in blackface. But because it’s against one of the few groups for whom bigotry, hostility, and ridicule is still acceptable (Chinese Americans and others of Asian and/or Pacific Island descent), it’s seen as okay by most and even encouraged by other local comedians. Kevin Marshall’s America

Zak Keith: Hollywood Asian Stereotypes

Racism against Asians is often “unawares”—a form of racism that flies under the radar due to its widespread acceptance as the norm. Its interactive dynamic resembles that of an unwritten social contract. Asians in the West are expected to accept patronizing remarks and racist taunts so demeaning that perpetrators would think twice before dishing them out with such unwavering consistency to any other minority group, such as Latinos or African Americans. Asians who object to such treatment are typically met with befuddlement and offense at their audacity to make an issue out of it.

p.p.s. Here are some related posts on my Asian American blog:

How Asian Americans Are Portrayed in U.S. Media. Who Should Be the Next Asian Old Spice Guy?

Asian Americans in Recurring TV Gigs

A Racist Bakesale Exposes Reverse Discrimination Against Asian Americans (I include this link because this is the real racist front that Asian Americans are currently fighting. All my posts on this topic are here.

Making us explain why Yellow Face is offensive is a waste of our time. I can’t believe this is still being used. In real life, has there ever been a white person pretending to be Asian? It’s only in the media and on the stage that this ridiculous premise exists.)

Survivor: Cook Islands Winner Yul Kwon and Why Media Portrayal of Asian Americans Matters

Mia Wenjen blogs at PragmaticMom: Education Matters, here and occasionally at her Asian American blog JadeLuckClub. She resides in Newton with her husband and three kids, the oldest of which will attend Newton North High School this fall. She can be found on Pinterest, Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Sulia, Google +, Instagram and YouTube.

Photo credit: Grasshopper and Sensei, my oldest.

January 15, 2016
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.

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.

January 14, 2016
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,

Setti D. Warren

Mayor

City of Newton, MA

January 13, 2016
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.

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.

January 12, 2016
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.

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.

January 8, 2016