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  • Massachusetts 3rd Best for Teen Driving Safety

    Massachusetts 3rd Best for Teen Driving Safety

    Getting a driver’s license at 16 is considered a rite of passage in American culture. But this exciting coming-of-age has instead become a death sentence for thousands of teens each year. Motor-vehicle accidents continue to be the leading cause of death among people between the ages of 16 and 19, the age group with the highest risk of crashes.

    And the financial implications are staggering. Although 15- to 24-year-olds make up only 14 percent of the population, they rack up nearly a third of all costs resulting from motor vehicle injuries. That’s not counting the costs of auto maintenance, insurance premiums, possible traffic citations and other vehicular incidents — expenses that can pile up over time.

    As summer progresses, it’s time to reflect on the fact that more teen drivers are newly minted during this season than any other, when an average of 250 teens are killed in car accidents each month.

    To help parents ensure their teens’ safety behind the wheel and safeguard their finances against unforeseeable events, WalletHub analyzed the teen-driving environment in the 50 states across 16 key metrics.

    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
    • 1st – Presence of Distracted-Driving/Texting-While-Driving Laws
    • 12th – Auto Insurance Premium Increase After Adding a Teen Driver to a Policy
    • 1st – Presence of Teen Driver’s Graduated Licensing Program Laws
    • 9th – Number of Vehicle Miles Traveled per Capita
    • 27th – Provision of Occupant- Protection Laws
    • 11th – Quality of Roads
    • 14th – Presence of Impaired-Driving Laws

    Massachusetts 3rd Best for Teen Driving Safety

  • Update from Interim Principal at NNHS

    Update from Interim Principal at NNHS

    Dear Parents/Guardians:

    I am writing to inform you of several administrative changes for the 2015-2016 school year. Dr. Marguerite “Midge” Connolly has accepted the position of Director of Student Services for the Weston Public Schools. Dr. Connolly has been with the Newton Public Schools for the past six years. In her first three years, as many of you may know, she was the Principal of Williams Elementary School.  Midge then came to Newton North as the Vice Principal and has contributed greatly to our community through this role.  In addition, this year Midge has split her time with Central High School where she has served as Principal.  Midge has been a strong supporter of students, families and staff during her time in Newton. All of us at North have valued her wisdom, sincerity and positive energy. I know she will do a fabulous job in Weston and will be missed.

    I am pleased to announce two interim administrative appointments for the 2015-2016 school year. Amy Winston will serve as the Interim Vice Principal at Newton North. Amy came to NNHS in 1999 as a physics teacher and became Department Head for Science and Technology/Engineering (STE) in 2005. Since 2005, Amy has taught physics, served as department head for STE, and played a leadership role in a number of school-wide and district-wide initiatives, including the move to the new building, MCAS alternative assessments, and the implementation of the new Newton Public Schools educator evaluation instrument. Amy possesses outstanding organizational skills, an incredible work ethic, and a strong commitment to teaching and learning.

    To fill Amy Winston’s position,  Tom Gwin will serve as Interim Science Department Head. Tom taught science at Winchester High School from 1976 to 1977, F.A. Day Middle School from 1977 to 1986, and Newton North High School from 1986 to 2003, where he also was the Science Department Head for 15 years.  He retired in 2014 after serving as the Winchester High School principal for 11 years.  I believe the community will appreciate Tom’s talents as an educator and will find him to be genuine and approachable. We are fortunate to have such an experienced administrator assume this role.
    It is truly an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to serve as Interim Principal for the 2015-2016 school year. I am excited to continue working with the students, families and staff that comprise our community.

    Sincerely,

    Mark Aronson

    Interim Principal, NNHS

    Newton North High School, NNHS

  • Valeo FC Announce “Play for Free”

    Valeo FC Announce “Play for Free”

    Valeo FC was built off of the generosity of others, and giving back to our community remains a core value for the club. At VFC, we look to encourage our players to be leaders on and off the field.  As part of this leadership initiative, the club fosters a culture of social awareness, volunteering and giving back. Many of our High School players have spent a number of years at the club and this program is a way to give back to the community, as well as providing leadership opportunities.

    With tryouts for our boys teams (U15-U18) right around the corner, we want to inform parents and players (boys U15-U18) about an exciting change for the upcoming year. Rather than paying club fees of $2300, players will be expected to volunteer at a charitable organization or coach their younger club-mates at VFC. The expectation is that players will accumulate 150 hours of community service for the year.

    This program will be directed by Elvis Comrie, former national team coach, youth national team scout and NCAA Division 1 coach.

    Any players interested in trying out should send an email to academy@valeofc.com.

    Valeo FC club soccer Newton

  • MA Is 3rd Best State for Working Dads

    MA Is 3rd Best State for Working Dads

    In order to help dads balance their dual role as parent and provider, WalletHub analyzed the work-life balance, health conditions, financial well-being and child-rearing environments for working dads in the 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. We did so using 20 key metrics, which range from the unemployment rate for dads with kids younger than 18 to male life expectancy to day care quality.

    Nate Busa of Nonatum Boxing Club

    Nate Busa is a full time firefighter in Newton Center and co-owner of Nonantum Boxing Club. He has three kids and can always be found cleaning.

    Living as a Working Dad in Massachusetts (1=Best; 25=Avg.):

    • 5th – Median Income for Families (Dad Present) with Kids Younger than 18 Years, Adjusted for Cost of Living
    • 6th – Male Life Expectancy at Birth
    • 4th – % of Dads with Kids Younger than 18 Living in Poverty
    • 1st – Male Uninsured Rate
    • 10th – Mean Hours Worked per Day Among Males
    • 12th – Mortality Rate due to Heart Disease per 100,000 Men
    • 9th – % of Men Who Report Adequate or Any Physical Activity
    • 17th – Day Care Quality

    MA Is 3rd Best State for Working Dads

  • Writing Workshops for Kids

    Writing Workshops for Kids

    Summer Essay Writing Workshops

    Make essay writing easier for your middle and high school students. Enroll your student in a week long ReadWrite essay workshop in which students study the elements of a high-quality essay and prepare, write, and revise up to two essays during each weekly session.  Rubrics are used to help students understand the strengths and weaknesses of their writing. These rubrics are also used for student reflection on their own essay drafts and for instructor grading and feedback.

    Writing Workshops for Kids
    ReadWrite writing workshops aim to make essay writing easier for students and to give them a head start on the next academic year. Class size is small – no more than 8 students – to ensure each student’s individual writing needs are met.

    Writing Workshops for Kids

    ReadWrite still has some limited availability this summer! Register Now for the following programs or contact ReadWrite with any questions if you’d like more information.

    Newton MA Writing Workshops for Kids
    1. Middle School Essay Workshop
    Weeks of 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/10
    9am-11am, Monday–Friday
    $150/week
    2. High School Creative Writing
    Weeks of 7/6, 7/13, 7/20, 7/27, 8/3, 8/10
    9am-11am, Monday–Friday
    $150/week
    Click here for a Workshop Description
    3. Summer Days
    Weeks of 7/6 – 8/14
    9am-3pm, Monday–Friday
    $270/week
    Click here for a description of Summer Days

    Newton Writing Workshops for Kids

  • Strawberry Picking in Taunton: Spring Rain Farm

    Strawberry Picking in Taunton: Spring Rain Farm

    If you want to pick your own strawberries, we had a great experience at Spring Rain Farm in Taunton followed by Amaro Bros Ice Cream & Burgers.

    Strawberry Picking in Taunton

    It took a half hour to pick all these strawberries!
    Strawberry Picking in Taunton

    Is this the winner for largest strawberry contest?
    Strawberry Picking in Taunton

    Here’s another entrant.

     

    Strawberry Picking in Taunton

    The strawberries are sold at wholesale compared to supermarket prices!

    Strawberry Picking in Taunton

    Even teenagers like to pick strawberries!

    Strawberry Picking in Taunton

    This might be the largest strawberry from today!
    Strawberry Picking in Taunton

     

    The people at Spring Rain Farm are extremely nice! Bring your own water if you need it. There are no bathrooms there but Amaro Bros Ice Cream & Burgers is just down the street. They have great homemade ice cream!

    Strawberry Picking in Taunton

    The people at Amaro Bros Ice Cream & Burgers were also really nice! The ice cream is homemade and every flavor we tried was delicious!

    Amaro Bros Ice Cream & Burgers

    Look for the pink cow building as you head towards Spring Rain Farm. This ice cream store is worth the stop!

    Amaro Bros Ice Cream & Burgers

    There are tons of flavors and all were great! My kids also liked the fancy cones (displayed in the box).Amaro Bros Ice Cream & Burgers

    This is our Father’s Day tradition. This year we went early but I think we’ll go back!

  • Girls Soccer Clinics at Boston College

    Girls Soccer Clinics at Boston College

    Summer Session I

    Dates: Mon June 29 – Thurs July 2 (NEW)

    Time: 9am-3pm

    Ages: 6-14 years

    Location: Newton Campus

    Cost: $295

    2015 Summer Session I brochure.pdf

    Summer Session II

    Dates: Mon July 20 – Thurs July 23

    Time: 9am-3pm

    Ages: 6-14 years

    Location: Newton Campus

    Cost: $295

    2015 Summer Session II brochure.pdf

     

    Summer Prospect/Elite

    Dates: Fri July 10 Sun July 12

    Time: Overnight (NEW)

    Ages: 7th Grade +

    Location: Newton Campus

    Cost: $495 / ($395 Commuter)

    2015 Elite Prospect Overnight Clinic Brochure.pdf

    More specific information on the clinics, including information on how to register, can be found on our websitewww.bcwomenssoccer.com.

    If you have any questions,or would like more information, please see contact information below.

    EMAIL: soccer.clinic@bc.edu

    PHONE: 617-552-0982

    Girls Soccer Clinics at Boston College

     

  • Help Our Teachers: Sign Petition

    Help Our Teachers: Sign Petition

    As you may be aware, all Newton teachers have been working without a valid contract all year. Compared to our educationally comparable towns, Newton teachers are the poorest paid and the gap between our town and towns like Weston, Wellesley, Brookline grows larger each year. This has negative implications for our town’s ability to attract and retain teachers as well as for our property values.

    Our dedicated faculty are simply requesting a cost of living increase. Many of you have asked what you can do to help support our teachers.

    Here’s your chance: Please check out this city-wide petition and sign it. Pass along to your friends, and let’s get our teachers the recognition and compensation that their incredible service deserves.

    (P.S. You’ll notice we are asking the Administration not for an override, but for a relocation of funds from the City Budget to the School Budget).

    “HELP OUR TEACHERS”

    http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/help-our-teachers

    Help Our Teachers: Sign Petition

     

  • West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease Prevention

    West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease Prevention

    West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease Prevention

    Newton residents were diagnosed with both Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus last year. Take steps to avoid getting sick!

    • Mosquito repellant not only works for mosquitoes, but helps repel ticks as well. Use a repellant with DEET, and follow label instructions for concentrations appropriate for children.
    • Avoid being outdoors during peak mosquito hours, particularly once West Nile Virus has been detected in the mosquito population.
    • Remove containers around your home (tires, kid pools, pots, tarps) that could allow mosquitoes to breed.
    • Check your body for ticks after being outdoors and remove them immediately to avoid disease transmission.

    From the F.A. Day School Nurse.

    West Nile Virus and Lyme Disease Prevention
    2009 West Nile virus activity as reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

  • TV Show CHOPPED Casting Kid Chefs!

    TV Show CHOPPED Casting Kid Chefs!

    Food Network is looking for the most talented kid chefs around the country who have what it takes to compete on Chopped. We are in search of young culinary masterminds between the ages of 9 and 17 who can take the heat in the kitchen and the competition!

    CKT1 Flyer

    For your convenience, I have attached a copy of our flyer that further details what we are looking for and how to apply. Please feel free to post this on your website, send out to any list serve you may have or forward it on to anyone you think may be interested. Any help spreading the word about our search is greatly appreciated!

    For more information and how to apply, please visit our website at www.JSCasting.com. If you have any questions or require further information, please email us at choppedkidsandteens@notional.com,

    TV Show Chopped Looking for Kid Chefs!