Category Archives: School Breaks

Want something to do during April school vacation?

Posted on April 13, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, School Breaks for , |

Stories! Movement! Art! will provide students in Grades 3 – 6 the opportunity to tell stories through their art! By using low-tech materials, they’ll create art that physically moves or uses optical illusion to showcase movement! This program runs April 15th – 19th, 1:00 – 3:30 pm in the Carriage House at Gore Place in Waltham . Fees are $20.00 for the whole week, or $5.00/day. Tickets available at https://art-workshop.bpt.me.

Bidding for the NECP Online Auction ends April 6

Posted on April 3, 2019 by zervaspto in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Other, School Breaks, Sports, Summer for , , |
The Newton Early Childhood Program (NECP), Newton’s only public preschool, hosts its largest school fundraiser of the year starting March 28th. Get ready to bid for great deals on restaurants, summer camps, birthday parties, gym memberships, and more! Over 100 amazing items from across Newton and the Boston area. Auction proceeds will fund education enrichment programs, community-building events, and classroom materials for our city’s youngest learners. Visit NECPPTO.ORG/AUCTION. Bidding ends April 6th at 9:00 pm. Good luck!

What’s Happening at the Y in April

Posted on March 31, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events, School Breaks, Sports for , , |

Try the Y – Sundays in April are free! Present a valid ID at the welcome desk and the daily guest fee will be waived.

Go Lisa and Phil, West Suburban YMCA Boston Marathon Team! – Newton residents Lisa D’Agostino and Phil Stern are running the Boston Marathon for the West Suburban YMCA. Lisa and Phil have spent months training for the race while also raising funds for the West Suburban YMCA. Together they have raised over $27,500 for the Y’s Annual Fund! This will be Lisa’s first marathon and Phil’s 21st. The West Suburban YMCA was provided one official bib number from the City of Newton and one from an anonymous B.A.A. member and YMCA supporter, allowing the Y to have two runners for this year’s event. Go Lisa and Phil!

Kids Night Out –  April 5th, 6:00 – 10:00 pm – Parents, drop off your kids for a fun Friday night with the Y’s staff. They’ll order pizza for dinner and keep the children entertained with games, swimming, movies and sports. $25.00 per child for Y members and $30.00 for the community. A 20% discount is offered per child for those with two or more children. Go out for the night and take advantage of this low-cost alternative to hiring a babysitter.

Poetry Night – April 5th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm – celebrate National Poetry Month at the Y! Organized by Barbara Helfogtt-Hyett of Poemworks, the event features readings by two local poets, then guests are invited to participate in the open mic portion of evening to share their own written work. This event is free and open to the public.

April Vacation Programs for Grades K-8, April 16th – 19th – Spend a fun and engaging April Vacation week at the Y! Y vacation programs offer an active environment for students in grades K-8. Featuring a mix of activities to keep kids happy and healthy all day, including free swim periods throughout the day. April Vacation programs will run April 16th –  April 19th. Full and half day options and daily rates to accommodate your needs!

April Vacation Songwriting & Recording Workshop – April 16th – 19th –  a 4-day collaborative workshop where young musicians (ages 10+) write and record original music. Learn all the tips and tricks that go into recording, mixing, and mastering an album!

Financial Assistance is always available for Y Memberships and Programs – The West Suburban YMCA is a non-profit charitable organization and whose mission is to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Please contact the Membership Department at 617-244-6050 x3653 for financial assistance with membership or program participation.

Bidding for the NECP Online Auction begins March 28th

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Other, School Breaks, Sports, Summer for , , |

The Newton Early Childhood Program (NECP), Newton’s only public preschool, hosts its largest school fundraiser of the year starting March 28th.

Get ready to bid for great deals on restaurants, summer camps, birthday parties, gym memberships, and more! Over 100 amazing items from across Newton and the Boston area. Auction proceeds will fund education enrichment programs, community-building events, and classroom materials for our city’s youngest learners.

Visit NECPPTO.ORG/AUCTION. Bidding ends April 6th at 9:00 pm. Good luck!

Plugged In’s April Vacation Camp

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, School Breaks, Summer for , , |

Plugged In’s April Vacation Camp is open to ages 11-18 of all skill levels. Students will get placed in a band with band members their age and skill level. Each band will write and record a song and make a music video. On the last day, bands will perform in a livestream performance from Plugged In for friends and family to watch online.

The Plugged In Band Program is a unique non-profit rock band program in Needham teaching kids of all skill levels and needs about using music to help others. In addition to ensemble band classes, private lessons, songwriting workshops, summer camp and community performances, five times a year students perform in benefit concerts that raise money for causes and organizations chosen by the students themselves. Plugged In provides a nurturing and supportive community to which young musicians of all levels and needs feel a sense of belonging, have an opportunity to express and be acknowledged for their musical interests and a chance to use their music to help others around the world.

Registration is also open for Plugged In’s 2-day Songwriting Workshop on May 25th  & 26th and Summer Day Camps in July and August. Registration for private lessons is ongoing. Registration and more info about all Plugged In programming is at www.pluggedinband.org.

Founded in 2002, Plugged In now has over 150 students from all over Massachusetts. Some of our students experience emotional and learning difficulties, such as ADD, depression, and low-self-esteem and/or have special needs such as autism and Asperger’s Syndrome. In the loving and non-competitive atmosphere at Plugged In, all differences are transcended through a shared passion for music, the teamwork involved with using music to help others and an atmosphere of compassion and fun.

April break = Stories! Movement! Art!

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, School Breaks for , |

Want something to do during April school vacation? Stories! Movement! Art! will provide students in grades 3-6 the opportunity to tell stories through their art! By using low-tech materials, they’ll create art that physically moves or uses optical illusion to showcase movement!

The program will take place inside the Carriage House at Gore Place in Waltham (the large building next to the parking lot). This program is $20.00 for the whole week, or $5.00/day. Tickets: https://art-workshop.bpt.me

April 15th – April 19th, 1:00 – 3:30 pm

April Vacation Public Speaking Workshop

Posted on March 24, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, School Breaks for , , |

Public Speaking and Critical Thinking Skills For Your Child!

Lumos is offering 2-day Public Speaking workshops during April break. Your child will love Lumos’s friendly instructors and fun activities as they learn about:

  • Speaking Confidence
  • Impromptu Speaking
  • Debate Fundamentals
  • Argumentation and Reasoning

Right now you can use the code COMMUNITY to get $20.00 off. To register, go to lumosdebate.com/vaca-workshop. Email info@lumosdebate.com or call 781-474-3359 with any questions.

April 15th-16th, April 17th-18th, or April 19th-20th

What’s Happening at the Y

Posted on February 17, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events, School Breaks, Sports, Summer for , , |

West Suburban YMCA’s Super Bowl Raffle! The West Suburban YMCA raffled off a Super Bowl trip package, and Newton resident Assunta (Sue) Calcagni was selected as the winner! Sue received 2 tickets to Super Bowl LIII along with airfare, lodging and ground transportation provided by New England Sports Tours. The raffle netted over $20,000 for the Y’s annual fund, which provides financial assistance for programs, services and scholarships at the Y.

Try the Y: Fridays in February are free! Present a valid ID at the welcome desk and use the facilities for the day.

Early Spring Program Registration: Registration is open for early spring session programs. Early spring session runs February 25th – April 14th. Sign up for swim lessons, youth basketball, floor hockey, fitness classes, kids yoga, tai chi, tumbling, music lessons and more.

Pickle Ball – Tuesdays & Thursdays: The West Suburban YMCA hosts drop-in pickle ball on both Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 – 11:30 am in the gymnasium. Pickle ball is free for West Suburban YMCA members and $5.00 drop-in fee for non-members.

Guided Meditation: Take a moment out of your day for this short, guided meditation that will leave you feeling relaxed, grounded and rejuvenated. Free for West Suburban YMCA members. Led by Jenni Plym in Studio A. February 9th, 9:00 – 9:30 am

Lifeguard Training and Certification Course:Become an American Red Cross certified lifeguard this February. Learn the practical skills necessary to recognize a critical situation and provide lifesaving care to individuals in the water. CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certifications are included in the course.

Weekend course: February 9th, 16th, 17th and 23rd, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm each day.
School vacation week course: February 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm each day. Students must be present for ALL days of their chosen course. Visit wsymca.org to register or call 617-244-6050.

Family Fun Night: Bring the whole family to the Y for some family fun time. Featuring arts & crafts, bouncy house, games and more! FREE and open to all. Family Fun Nights are generously sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation and occur on the second Tuesday of every month. February 12th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

February Vacation Programs: Do your kids need something to do while they are off from school for February vacation? The West Suburban YMCA is offering full day and half day program options February 19th – February 22nd. Call 617-244-6050 for more information or visit www.wsymca.org.

Spring YBA (Youth Basketball Association) League: Registration is open for the Y’s spring YBA league which runs March 2nd – April 14th. YBA is a fun league for boys and girls ages 4-12 to learn and play basketball. The league is separated into four age groups: Mini (ages 4-5), Biddy (ages 6-7), Rookie (ages 8-9) and Collegiate (ages 10-12). All leagues are co-ed, and volunteer coaches are encouraged. For more information and to register visit www.wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050.

Summer Camp Registration is Open! The West Suburban YMCA offers three summer camps: Camp Pikati at the Y, Camp Chickami in Wayland, MA and Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, MA. Each camp offers children a unique and engaging summer experience. Attend one of the Y’s upcoming camp info sessions to learn more about summer camp.

Upcoming Camp Info Sessions at the Y:

February 6th, 9:00 – 11:00 am
February 11th, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
February 20th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
March 2nd, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Work at the Y: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions. Great benefits, FREE membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow at lauras@wsymca.org or visit wsymca.org/careers.

What’s Happening at the Y

Posted on February 17, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events, School Breaks, Sports, Summer for , , |

West Suburban YMCA’s Super Bowl Raffle! The West Suburban YMCA raffled off a Super Bowl trip package, and Newton resident Assunta (Sue) Calcagni was selected as the winner! Sue received 2 tickets to Super Bowl LIII along with airfare, lodging and ground transportation provided by New England Sports Tours. The raffle netted over $20,000 for the Y’s annual fund, which provides financial assistance for programs, services and scholarships at the Y.

Try the Y: Fridays in February are free! Present a valid ID at the welcome desk and use the facilities for the day.

Early Spring Program Registration: Registration is open for early spring session programs. Early spring session runs February 25th – April 14th. Sign up for swim lessons, youth basketball, floor hockey, fitness classes, kids yoga, tai chi, tumbling, music lessons and more.

Pickle Ball – Tuesdays & Thursdays: The West Suburban YMCA hosts drop-in pickle ball on both Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 – 11:30 am in the gymnasium. Pickle ball is free for West Suburban YMCA members and $5.00 drop-in fee for non-members.

Guided Meditation: Take a moment out of your day for this short, guided meditation that will leave you feeling relaxed, grounded and rejuvenated. Free for West Suburban YMCA members. Led by Jenni Plym in Studio A. February 9th, 9:00 – 9:30 am

Lifeguard Training and Certification Course:Become an American Red Cross certified lifeguard this February. Learn the practical skills necessary to recognize a critical situation and provide lifesaving care to individuals in the water. CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid certifications are included in the course.

Weekend course: February 9th, 16th, 17th and 23rd, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm each day.
School vacation week course: February 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm each day. Students must be present for ALL days of their chosen course. Visit wsymca.org to register or call 617-244-6050.

Family Fun Night: Bring the whole family to the Y for some family fun time. Featuring arts & crafts, bouncy house, games and more! FREE and open to all. Family Fun Nights are generously sponsored by the Belmont Savings Bank Foundation and occur on the second Tuesday of every month. February 12th, 6:00 – 7:00 pm

February Vacation Programs: Do your kids need something to do while they are off from school for February vacation? The West Suburban YMCA is offering full day and half day program options February 19th – February 22nd. Call 617-244-6050 for more information or visit www.wsymca.org.

Spring YBA (Youth Basketball Association) League: Registration is open for the Y’s spring YBA league which runs March 2nd – April 14th. YBA is a fun league for boys and girls ages 4-12 to learn and play basketball. The league is separated into four age groups: Mini (ages 4-5), Biddy (ages 6-7), Rookie (ages 8-9) and Collegiate (ages 10-12). All leagues are co-ed, and volunteer coaches are encouraged. For more information and to register visit www.wsymca.org or call 617-244-6050.

Summer Camp Registration is Open! The West Suburban YMCA offers three summer camps: Camp Pikati at the Y, Camp Chickami in Wayland, MA and Camp Frank A. Day in East Brookfield, MA. Each camp offers children a unique and engaging summer experience. Attend one of the Y’s upcoming camp info sessions to learn more about summer camp.

Upcoming Camp Info Sessions at the Y:

February 6th, 9:00 – 11:00 am
February 11th, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
February 20th, 11:00 am – 2:00 pm
March 2nd, 2:00 – 4:00 pm

Work at the Y: The West Suburban YMCA is hiring for a variety of full-time and part-time positions. Great benefits, FREE membership and professional development opportunities. Please contact Laura Snow at lauras@wsymca.org or visit wsymca.org/careers.

Vacation Week fun with HIstory

Posted on February 3, 2019 by Newton PTO Council in Advertisements, Community Notes, Education/Enrichment, Events, School Breaks for |

February vacation week programs at Historic Newton. Bring your family to Historic Newton for a full day of historic fun. With Historic Newton educators, try out colonial-era games, explore the museum exhibits, make a diorama, roll your own candles, and more.

Activities run from 11:30 to 1:30 and from 2:00 to 4:00 with a break for lunch. Come for one activity or stay all day! Recommended for elementary-age children; siblings welcome.
Information: 617-641-9142 .


February 20th and February 22nd, 11:30 am – 4:00 pm

February 20th and February 22nd, 11:30 am – 4:00 pm

Durant-Kenrick House and Grounds, 286 Waverley Avenue, Newton